Innovation Strategies in Tourism Industry

Abstract

Focus: Nowadays, innovation research in tourism sector has catch the attention of academics and business players. In fact, over the decades, tourism has experienced continued growth and deepening diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. This master thesis, is to study in detail the theory of innovation in tourism and, to develop innovation strategies for the tourism sector. This thesis is based on theoretical review about the concept of innovations in tourism industry to understand different types of innovations, the measurements and determinants of innovation. Although, innovation strategies and strategic innovation in tourism industry were the main focus of the study. Findings: The findings provide a practical contribution to academics and companies on how certain strategies can be implemented in the tourism sector, such internationalization, the use of new technologies and sustainability. Moreover, different tools of strategy management were also studied, along with the innovation systems and innovation management. Research limitations / implications: This paper is only limited to the theoretical part of innovation strategies in tourism industry. Performing an empirical study would be much more interesting, to learn more about how these different strategies are implemented. Furthermore, I have been focusing on all dimensions of strategies, and was unable to draw a practical conclusion but several valuables recommendations were provided. Originality – Value: This study has established a framework for the further study of innovation in tourism. Accordingly, research in the field of innovation systems and innovation management might be developed in several forms. Regarding the innovations strategies, these are certainly useful knowledge for both academics and managers.