Bulletin of Geography. Socio-economic Series

Title:
Unpacking the geography of tourism innovation in Western Cape Province, South Africa

Authors

Irma Booyens - University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Bunting Road Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; phone: +27 115 591 167, e-mail: irma.booyens@gmail.com

Christian M. Rogerson - University of Johannesburg, School of Tourism and Hospitality, Bunting Road Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; phone: +27 115 591 167, e-mail:crogerson@uj.ac.za

Keywords
tourism innovation, local tourism innovation networks, nature-based tourism, external networking, local embeddedness

Abstract
This paper interrogates the geography of tourism innovation in the Western Cape, South Africa. In particular, innovations by tourism firms are mapped and local tourism innovation networks are analysed. Networking behaviour is examined since it is regarded as indispensable for accessing knowledge and learning for innovation purposes. The analysis draws on a broader investigation of tourism innovation and networking within the Western Cape province. It is revealed that the main tourist regions in the Western Cape are also the most innovative. Whilst external networking relations are observed to be highly significant for tourism innovation, local embeddedness remains critical for stimulating path creation and exploiting local core competencies for the competitiveness and survival of tourism firms and destinations.

Pages:
19-36

DOI:
10.1515/bog-2016-0002

BGSS No. 31 (2016)