A Conceptual Framework to Investigate Sustainable Competitiveness in Tourist Destinations: Case of Iranian Tourist Destinations

This paper proposes a framework to investigate destination competitiveness from a sustainable perspective. Both tourism competitiveness and sustainability-related literatures were reviewed to identify the most important components in achieving Destination Sustainable Competitiveness . First, based on previous studies, five dimensions of destination competitiveness were identified including destination sustainable management and policy , destination economic competitiveness , destination sociocultural competitiveness , destination environmental competitiveness and tourists satisfaction and behaviors . Then, Delphi Technique was applied to identify key factors contributing to destination sustainable competitiveness. Results of the Delphi survey indicate that in order to achieve sustainability in destination competitiveness in Iranian destinations, some key factors should be developed and adopted in all dimensions of competitiveness. Panel experts indicated the most important factors for achieving destination sustainable competitiveness in Iranian tourist destinations. Finally, a total of 56 indicators were identified, and a framework was developed to investigate sustainability of destination competitiveness

Keywords:

Tourism , Destination Competitiveness , Sustainable Competitiveness , Destination Sustainable Competitiveness