“Identifying key relations for destination competitiveness and for creating cultural tourism products: a value system approach to tourist destinations”

Purpose of the Paper – A natural link exists between organizations and institutions involved in developing destination competitiveness and creating cultural tourism products, yet little research has examined their relation. This conceptual paper is designed to address this gap and to link local tourism promotion agencies, tourism organizations, and cultural heritage institutions. Approach – A value system model is used, in order to understand the relations between the organizations analysed. Findings – The use of the value system model in the tourism sector enables the identifying of a system of value creation and competitiveness development, customized on the basis of key stakeholders involved. Practical Implications –The use of the value system model enables the designing of a comprehensive framework which allows the planning of the creation of competitive destinations and tourism products. Originality/value – The study represents a first attempt to analyse relations between local tourism promotion agencies, tourism organizations, and cultural heritage institutions according to the value system model. Type of paper – Conceptual paper.