Coopetition local index (i-COOL): a tool to measure coopetition level at tourism destinations

Abstract

This chapter aims to present an aggregate index to measure the coopetition level of tourism destinations, a tool named the Local Coopetition Index (i-COOL). The index comprises 30 variables based on soft and hard data distributed in 7 factors: Co-location, Competition, Associationism, Cooperation, Strategic Management, Co-Entrepreneurship and Tourism Co-Production. The i-COOL has a math formulation that allows comparison of the coopetition levels among different destinations, cities, or countries. In this chapter, we present the results of an empirical application of the i-COOL in the context of two Brazilian cities, namely, Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu. Findings showed the level of coopetition in the destinations and indicated the variables that destination managers should prioritise to improve tourism development. The i-COOL framework can be used as a monitor of tourism coopetition to support destination managers in improving competitiveness from the coopetition strategy.