The role of innovation in special interest tourism: a theoretical approach

Abstract

en Sousa, B. (2018). The role of innovation in special interest tourism: A theoretical approach. Millenium, 2(5), 83-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0205.08.00162 m 5 84 RESUMO Introdução: O processo de inovação e a sua aplicação em contextos vários têm, gradualmente, ganho terreno na comunidade académica como área de interesse e investigação. Do mesmo modo, nas últimas décadas, também o turismo tem merecido especial destaque nos trabalhos desenvolvidos pelos investigadores, com contributos em várias perspetivas (e.g. económico, social, cultural e ambiental). Objetivo: Explorar e contribuir para a reflexão da literatura em contextos específicos de turismo e, em que medida, o processo de inovação se assume como fator chave para o seu desenvolvimento e competitividade (e.g. gestão em contextos de ecoturismo). Métodos: Trata-se de um documento conceptual que reúne os principais componentes do processo de inovação e suas implicações em contextos de turismo de interesse especial (e.g. ecoturismo). Resultados: O presente trabalho apresenta alguns insights na ótica da inovação e empreendedorismo em contextos específicos de turismo. O processo de criação associado à natureza e sistemas de reserva sustentável, mecanismos ou partilha de informações são exemplos de vantagem competitiva para os destinos e produtos turísticos. Conclusões: O empreendedorismo gerador e fatores inovadores que podem desencadear atividade empresarial. O estudo considera algumas das implicações para a gestão e a literatura. Implicações para pesquisas futuras também são apresentadas. Palavras-chaves:Competitividade, Ecoturismo, Inovação, Sustentabilidade ABSTRACT Introduction: The innovation process, and its application to several contexts, has been gradually gaining ground in the academic community as a field of study. Similarly, in recent decades, tourism has received greater attention from academics in different sciences and focus (e.g. economic, social, cultural and environmental). Objective: To explore and to contribute the literature on special interest tourism and innovation process (e.g. ecotourism management). Methods: This is a conceptual paper that brings together the major components of innovation process and its implications in special interest tourism contexts (e.g. ecotourism). Results: The study presents closely to primary classical innovation and entrepreneurship issues. The creation process associated with the nature and sustainable reservation systems, mechanisms and information sharing are a competitive advantage over tourism destinations and products. Conclusions: The generators entrepreneurship and innovative factors that may trigger an entrepreneurial activity. The study considers some of the implications for management and literature. Implications for future research are also presented. Keywords:Competitiveness, Ecotourism, Innovation, Sustainability RESUMEN Introducción: el proceso de innovación, y su aplicación a varios contextos, ha ido ganando terreno gradualmente en la comunidad académica como un campo de estudio....

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Special Interest Tourism in the Czech Republic: Introduction and Overview

“…Smith, Macleod, and Robertson (2010) defined special interest tourism as travelling with the primary motivation of practising or enjoying a special interest. It also reflects new tourism consumption patterns, increasing the diversity of interests of the late-modern leisure society (Douglas, Douglas, & Derret, 2001;Sousa, 2018) and highly differentiated tourists´ needs and motivations (Dwyer et al 2008). It takes into account new social values, such as the increased importance of outdoor activities, awareness of ecological problems, educational advances, aesthetic judgement and improvement of self and society (Hall & Weiler, 1992;Trauer, 2006).…”