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Imitate? Or be Imitated? The Sustainable and Unique Competencies and Structure of Theme-Based Hotels

Author

Listed:
  • Chia-Yen Ma

    (National Taiwan Normal University
    Kai Ping Culinary School)

  • Ben Wu

    (Fudan University)

  • Kuo-Ching Wang

    (National Taiwan Normal University)

  • Wen-Yin Lee

    (Cathay Hospitality Management)

  • Wen-Hwa Lee

    (National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism)

Abstract

This study explores the sustainable competitive advantages of theme hotels. The research examined and compared 11 theme-based brand hotels in China and Taiwan as they all possess value as practical management references. In the post-epidemic era, the upgrades to hotels have become the focus of the industry. The reengineering of themed hotel brands and how the industry decides on the priority of focused investments for resource dimensions. This study proposes theme-based management of hotels, the development of sustainable unique competencies, and competitive advantages. The results found that the theme selection can be “combined with local characteristics” to develop “unique competencies,” and intangible assets are the most important priority. “Brand marketing” is conveyed through “employee competencies,” and core competencies are “integrated and upgraded” as well as “continuously evolved” to develop unique competencies and eventually integrate external resources to form “cross-industry alliances” and undergo “dynamic adjustments” to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Chia-Yen Ma & Ben Wu & Kuo-Ching Wang & Wen-Yin Lee & Wen-Hwa Lee, 2025. "Imitate? Or be Imitated? The Sustainable and Unique Competencies and Structure of Theme-Based Hotels," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 4221-4245, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s13132-024-02125-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02125-2
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