Innovation Systems in Tourism: The Roles of Attractors and Scene‐Takers

Abstract

This paper proposes a model of an attractor-based innovation system for understanding tourism. Key components of the model are the attractor (that which attracts visitors), scene-maker, scene, collaborative networks between tourism and other firms and, finally, the crucial function of the scene-taker. Findings from eight in-depth case studies taken from around the world are summarized in the form of seven hypotheses concerning the operations of such innovation systems. It is argued that scene-takers, in the form of individual entrepreneurs and organizations, perform a crucial function in the innovation system in developing and maintaining the scene. Finally, some policy implications for building such a system are suggested.