Indepth tourism's influences on service innovation

• Published in: International journal of culture, tourism and hospitality research tourism and hospitality research, 2009-10, Vol.3 (4), p.326-336
• Main Authors: Grace Chen, Yiche, Chen, ZiHui, Ho, Jonathan C., Lee, ChungShing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Innovation; Tourism; Training
• ISSN: 1750-6182
• DOI: 10.1108/17506180910994541

Purpose Indepth tourism is a new traveling pattern, which combines thematic traveling experience and personal knowledge. This paper aims to analyze the industry characteristics and approaches to develop and promote indepth tourism from a service innovation perspective. Designmethodologyapproach The paper introduces the concept of indepth tourism and presents two case studies depicting the practices of this new approach. The paper also includes training and exercises on indepth tourism's implementation. Findings A threedimensional framework consisting of customer value, regional resources and competences, and technology adoption e.g. information and communication technologies is developed to guide service innovations in the tourism industry. Practical implications The new theoretical framework and set of training exercises provide management with the tools to effectively create and promote service innovations through indepth tourism. Originalityvalue The paper introduces the concepts and practices of indepth tourism from a service innovation perspective. In addition, the research provides several managerial and policy implications to manage service innovations and to promote regional development through indepth tourism.