Configurational patterns of competitive advantage factors for smart tourism: an equifinality perspective

Abstract

This study identifies how factors affecting competitive advantage for smart tourism are configured in countries with high tourism performance from an equifinality perspective. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis is conducted using data collected from 141 countries. Four configurational patterns for high performance on international tourist arrivals and one configurational pattern for high performance on international tourism receipts are derived. Two propositions are put forward on the basis of the analysis results. The results reveal that information technology readiness plays a key role in developing competitive smart tourism.