Key factors for implementation and success of destination management systems. Empirical evidence from European countries
Industrial Management & Data Systems
ISSN: 0263-5577
Article publication date: 22 May 2020
Issue publication date: 7 June 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Destination management organizations perform a very important role regarding the management of tourism destinations. Destination management systems are a key technological infrastructure for these organizations. However, in the literature, it is not clear what are the factors that promote the implementation of these systems, neither what are the factors that contribute to their success. This study aims to propose and test two research models to overcome these research gaps.
Design/methodology/approach
The first model refers to the determinants of the implementation of destination management systems, and the second model refers to the determinants of the success of those systems. The models are tested with data collected through a questionnaire survey from destination management organizations of five European countries, which are among the leaders in international tourism receipts.
Findings
Concerning the factors that promote the implementation of destination management systems, this study reveals the importance of the diversity of partnerships that the private sector establishes in the destination, of advantages resulting from governance and of partners' involvement in the functions of destination management organizations. Concerning the factors that promote the success of these systems, this study highlights the importance of a phased implementation, the fact that a high number of functionalities in the system prevents success and the importance of having a revenue model that can support financial and operating costs.
Originality/value
The study provides important theoretical and practical contributions to the successful implementation of destination management systems by destination management organizations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was financially supported by the research unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy (UID/CPO/04058/2019), funded by national funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.
Citation
Martins, C.A., Carneiro, M.J.A. and Pacheco, O.R. (2021), "Key factors for implementation and success of destination management systems. Empirical evidence from European countries", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 121 No. 6, pp. 1287-1324. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-11-2019-0598
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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