Homogeneity analysis of south-eastern European countries according to tourism competitiveness performances

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyse the competitiveness of south-eastern Europe (SEE) countries with the help of The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) and The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), as well as to explore the correlation and mutual influence of these two indices. The aim is to explore the homogeneity of SEE countries according to tourism competitiveness performance. The research was conducted on the basis of secondary data sources and statistical methods, with emphasis on the cluster analysis. Structurally, the article is composed of the following parts: Analyses of the competitiveness of SEE countries according to GCI and TTCI, exploration of SEE countries homogeneity according to the GCI and the TTCI sub-indices, as well as according to the pillars within the TTCI. The research results indicate that there exists a high correlation between the TTCI and GCI, as well as that SEE countries are not homogenous according to these indices. The research provides the initial framework for benchmarking the tourism performance of different countries, and determination of objectives and strategies for improving tourism competitiveness.