Is a cluster a necessary condition for success? The case of Benidorm |
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Authors: | José Francisco Perles-Ribes Isabel Rodríguez-Sánchez Ana Belén Ramón-Rodríguez |
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Institution: | Institute of Tourism Research, University of Alicante, Campus San Vicente del Raspeig, 03080 Alicante, Spain |
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Abstract: | This paper analyses the application of the cluster concept to tourist destinations using Benidorm as a case study. A questionnaire was administered to tourism firms based in Benidorm in order to determine whether this destination currently constitutes a tourism cluster or whether it possesses the ideal characteristics to become a cluster with the private agents' collaboration, that is, whether it is a potential cluster. The results obtained from this research indicate that Benidorm's success is not derived from the presence of a cluster due to a series of elements that prevent its existence. In this destination there is a need to strengthen cooperation between public and private agents (especially in those areas that determine the competitive advantage of the destination) and to design a strategy based on shared goals. Both of these elements are fundamental for the characterisation of a cluster. |
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Keywords: | Benidorm tourism destination competitiveness tourism clusters |
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