Tourism suppliers’ view of the role of government initiatives and tourism competitiveness in distressed contexts

Woyo, Erisher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0776-6645 (2021) Tourism suppliers’ view of the role of government initiatives and tourism competitiveness in distressed contexts. In: Tourism Dynamics: new perspectives and changing directions. Goodfellow Publishers, Oxford, pp. 147-165. ISBN 9781911635932 (hardback); 9781911635949 (ebook)

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Abstract

This chapter analyses the role of government initiatives in tourism competitiveness, using data collected from suppliers operating in a distressed tourist destination. The government’s involvement in the process of tourism development, especially in developing countries, is critical. The role and participation of governments in tourism development vary from minimal to a high level of involvement. Developing economies with ongoing political and economic challenges like Zimbabwe have not been comprehensively researched, especially on the nexus between competitiveness and government initiatives. Using qualitative data from a convenience sample of 15 hospitality and tourism managers in Zimbabwe, it was found that the role of government is important for enhancing tourism competitiveness. The study concludes that a higher level of government involvement is needed for Zimbabwe to enhance competitiveness. The government should play a greater role, especially in providing an enabling environment for improved competitiveness while reducing corruption.