Factors Constraining International Growth in Nautical Tourism Firms

Abstract

In tourism, entrepreneurial internationalisation is considered a measure of the development of the industry and a key driver of innovation, competitiveness and image enhancement. In nautical tourism, research is still scarce in terms of supporting business’ internationalisation. This paper analyses factors constraining the international growth of island-based nautical tourism organisations. For the research, a sample of 60 nautical tourism SMEs´ owners of six different islands in the Macaronesia Region (Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde archipelagos) were interviewed. As a result, we provide up to date information about current conditions and barriers to the internationalisation process within the segment and also identify the profile of the firms with the best international performance. The study is of great usefulness for the industry as it guides on the areas that require special attention to enhance those social, environmental and economic conditions of nautical tourism firms that ensure sustainable international growth. Moreover, it helps policymakers of island destinations seeking specialisation and positioning within the international nautical tourism market to raise the efficiency of current incentive mechanisms for internationalisation, thus contributing to increase tourism competitiveness. Finally, the study highlights the importance of fostering wider cooperation among islands with common interests in nautical specialisation and the challenges that this represents for the tourism management.

Model Iskazivanja Prihoda Preko Varijabli Održivog Razvoja Na Primjeru Nautičkih Luka U Hrvatskoj

“…Marušić, 2020). Međutim, unatoč ekonomskoj i društvenoj važnosti ovog sektora u razvoju brojnih područja i zemalja, u znanstvenim istraživanjima relativno je malo izučavan (Chen et al, 2016;Lam-González, Suárez-Rojas & León, 2019;Martínez Vázquez, Milán García, et al, 2021;E. Marušić, 2020).…”

“…U tom je smislu nautički turizam plovidba i boravak turista nautičara na jahtama, brodicama i drugim plovnim objektima, kao i boravak u lukama nautičkog turizma radi odmora i rekreacije (Horak et al, 2015;Zakon o turističkoj djelatnosti, 1996). U širem smislu riječi, nautički turizam uključuje širok spektar aktivnosti povezanih s morem (ICF et al, 2016;Lam-González et al, 2019;Luković, 2012). Rekreacijska plovidba i s njom povezani doživljaji na vodi i kopnu, ističu se kao glavni motiv putovanja turista nautičara (Horak et al, 2015).…”

Bridging the Gap between Landscape and Management within Marinas: A Review

“…Marinas are features associated to nautical tourism, conceived as platforms to accommodate recreation activities on land [5][6][7][8]. Thus, the services provided are preponderant activities when dealing with decision-making process in the management of marinas.…”

The Three-Parameter Classification Model of Seasonal Fluctuations in the Croatian Nautical Port System

“…Recreational boating and nautical tourism present one of the most significant segments of maritime transport and one of the dominant tourist products of Croatia [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Nautical tourism plays a significant role in job creation and growth in the blue economy [7], and it has substantial qualities for socio-economic development [8]. Sariisik [9] points out that yacht tourism is one of the most developing niche tourism sectors around the world.…”

“…The strategic goal of positioning Croatia as the most significant nautical destination in Europe and on the Mediterranean can significantly impact the development of the recreational boating and growth of the maritime economy [1]. Nautical tourism is crucial for the sustainability of many coastal and island areas dependent on the tourism sector, especially in the areas where the sun and beach tourist products dominate [8,10]. Moreno and Otamendi [10] point out that nautical tourism is an attractive tool for the development of communities in the Mediterranean, at local, regional, and national levels.…”