Open Innovation: A Chance for the Innovation Management of Tourism Destinations?

Abstract

Innovation management processes have been investigated for several service industries. In tourism the accommodation sector was analysed in depth, however there are only a few attempts to shed more light upon the innovation process in tourism destinations. This paper evaluates innovation processes and in particular the idea of open innovation at a destination level using qualitative data: 37 interviews with managers of tourism businesses and DMOs were conducted in Tyrolean destinations and analysed with regard to actions and attitudes towards open innovation processes within the destinations. Results demonstrate that DMOs can act as mediators to transfer external stimuli into the destination and are important initiators for collaborative innovation networks.