Unlocking sustainable tourism: Exploring the drivers and barriers of social innovation in community model destinations

Abstract

This study delves into the realm of sustainable tourism development, focusing on social innovation. It addresses a gap in existing literature by exploring the drivers and barriers of social innovation in community model destinations taking the networked nature of the tourism industry into account. Through in-depth interviews with stakeholders and participant observations, factors influencing social innovation at the micro, meso, and macro levels are uncovered. This research extends previous work on the interconnectedness of social entrepreneurial factors and innovation. Further, it emphasizes altruistic motivations, knowledge sharing and awareness building in addition to economic viability as essential at the micro level, while the importance of local networks, role models and the inclusion of local communities is essential at the meso level. Authenticity, as well as economic and political factors are macro influences to be navigated. This research offers direction for responsible and community-oriented tourism practices aligned with sustainable development goals.