A model of strategic evaluation of a tourism destination based on internal and relational capabilities

Abstract

The complex reality of a tourist destination requires it to be managed as an integrated system. This work presents a strategic evaluation model of tourist destinations that permits their reality at a given moment to be visualized from an overall perspective. To that end, the model, which focuses on tourism supply chain management, specifies the principal attributes determining destination competitiveness. On that basis, this work analyzes the internal and relational capabilities of each attribute represented in a matrix according to their strategic value. This theoretical framework is empirically tested by means of a study to evaluate the tourist destination of Gran Canaria, which reflects the competitive reality of a mature destination. The results indicate that integrating measures based on sustainability must be taken to be able to re-launch the destination.