Networking towards sustainable tourism: innovations between green growth and degrowth strategies

Abstract

This paper uses network analysis to investigate features of a regional network of tourism enterprises in rural Ireland. In contrast to the economic-driven networks literature, it focuses on socio-ecological goals alongside the economic goals. Acknowledging the heterogeneity of sustainable entrepreneurs, member businesses are categorized by their ideological orientation towards sustainability, ranging from strict green growth to rigid degrowth approaches. The paper argues that sustainability networks support rural areas’ efforts for change; however, degrowth strategists need to be represented as key actors of communication and joint activities in the long term to realize a clear shift away from business as usual.