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Sustainability as a Key Factor in Tourism Competitiveness: A Global Analysis

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  • Beatriz Rodríguez-Díaz

    (University Institute of Tourist Investigation, Intelligence and Innovation, Department of Applied Economics (Mathematics), University of Malaga (Universidad de Málaga), Campus Ejido, s/n, 29071 Malaga, Spain)

  • Juan Ignacio Pulido-Fernández

    (Laboratory of Analysis and Innovation in Tourism (Laboratorio de Análisis e Innovación Turística-LAInnTUR), Department of Economics, University of Jaen (Universidad de Jaén), Campus Las Lagunillas, s/n Edificio D3-273, 23071 Jaen, Spain)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between sustainability and tourism competitiveness and potential differences in these parameters between geographical regions. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) of the World Economic Forum is most commonly used to measure tourism competitiveness, however, this index has been criticized by some academics. We propose a synthetic indicator (I mα ) using the multicriteria double reference point method, which can measure tourism competitiveness more accurately by applying different degrees of substitutability among pillars. The Sustainable Development Index (SDG Index) frames the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and was used to analyze sustainability data. The new tourism competitiveness index (I mα ) was obtained at both the global and regional level. It is important to note that some countries have a different ranking in the regional and global tourism competitiveness indexes, which shows a different behaviors among regions. The relationship between sustainability and tourism competitiveness is positive in all the analyses performed, though it is stronger when calculated without allowing substitutability, especially when considering the regional index. These trends show the value of this regional study of tourism competitiveness, because in addition to helping managers develop strategies to improve tourism competitiveness, it allows them to know the effect that these strategies will have on sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatriz Rodríguez-Díaz & Juan Ignacio Pulido-Fernández, 2019. "Sustainability as a Key Factor in Tourism Competitiveness: A Global Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:51-:d:299794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kyriaki Glyptou & Nikos Kalogeras & Dimitrios Skuras & Ioannis Spilanis, 2022. "Clustering Sustainable Destinations: Empirical Evidence from Selected Mediterranean Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, May.

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