Which innovative solutions of non-technological and technological nature are needed to improve tourism services? a case of tungurahua province in ecuador

Abstract

The present empirical study aims to provide a new conceptual framework for the regional tourism industry of the Province of Tungurahua-Ecuador that emerged from a combined application of stakeholder engagement and research-practice approaches. These preliminary outcomes from in-depth focus group assessments and surveys applied to tourism experts, industry practitioners, government's representatives, and tourists revealed that a synergic/collaborative work across tourism stakeholders have the potentials to create innovative touristic products and services, thus solving progressively the existing issues observed in the regional tourism, travel and hospitality sectors. Resulting tailor-made tourism products, mainly based on advanced technology, may represent the first steps of improvements to be taken into consideration prior to evolving to the development and implementation of smart cities and smart tourism concepts in this region where tourism activities are one of the most important revenue for the national and regional tourism industry.