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.