Micro-clusters And Networks: The Growth Of Tourism (advances In Tourism Research)

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This book introduces a new approach to the analysis and management of growth in small tourism markets for regional and rural locations. It recognizes from the outset that the vast bulk of the tourism industry's product is delivered by small business enterprises and that many of these are located outside of metropolitan areas. Its central premise is that a myriad of small-scale clusters can provide an effective means to establish a local competitive advantage in tourism activities based on the resources of existing communities. The book brings together contemporary views of the potential of clustering theory to promote development in micro-markets, within the paradigm of competition, to create a new framework for regional development that might serve to enhance the growth of small-scale tourism destinations.Microclusters and Networks provides a theoretical explanation of how and why micro-clusters come about, with chapters by specialist authors to illustrate examples of their practice in the real world; but it goes further to demonstrate not only why they work but also how community members interact to form successful clusters. The incorporation of networking theory provides the means to explain the role of local community interaction in delivering successful social outcomes. The analysis that is provided clearly has applications for many industries beyond the development of rural and regional tourism destinations. *Provides a theoretical explanation of how and why micro-clusters come about*Brings together contemporary views of the potential of clustering theory to promote development in micro-markets*Enhances the discussion of rural development policies for tourism by local communities, policy analysts and academic researchers

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Else_ATR-Michael_Prelims.qxd 8/12/2006 5:46 PM Page i MICRO-CLUSTERS AND NETWORKS THE GROWTH OF TOURISM i Else_ATR-Michael_Prelims.qxd 8/12/2006 5:46 PM Page ii ADVANCES IN TOURISM RESEARCH Series Editor: Professor Stephen J. Page University of Stirling, UK [email protected] Advances in Tourism Research series publishes monographs and edited volumes that comprise state-of-the-art research findings, written and edited by leading researchers working in the wider field of tourism studies. The series has been designed to provide a cutting edge focus for researchers interested in tourism, particularly the management issues now facing decision-makers, policy analysts and the public sector. The audience is much wider than just academics and each book seeks to make a significant contribution to the literature in the field of study by not only reviewing the state of knowledge relating to each topic but also questioning some of the prevailing assumptions and research paradigms which currently exist in tourism research. The series also aims to provide a platform for further studies in each area by highlighting key research agendas, which will stimulate further debate and interest in the expanding area of tourism research. The series is always willing to consider new ideas for innovative and scholarly books, inquiries should be made directly to the Series Editor. Published: Taking Tourism to the Limits RYAN, PAGE AND AICKEN Tourism in Turbulent Times WILKS, PENDERGAST & LEGGAT An International Handbook of Tourism Education AIREY & TRIBE Indigenous Tourism PAGE AND AICKEN Tourism Local Systems and Networking LAZZERETTI & PETRILLO Progress in Tourism Marketing KOZAK & ANDREU Extreme Tourism: Lessons from the World’s Cold Water Islands BALDACCHINO Benchmarking National Tourism Organisations and Agencies LENNON, SMITH, COCKEREL & TREW Tourism and Social Identities BURNS & NOVELLI Forthcoming: Touris