THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM: A THEORETICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Introduction: The innovation process, and its application to several contexts, has been gradually gaining ground in the academic community as a field of study. Similarly, in recent decades, tourism has received greater attention from academics in different sciences and focus (e.g. economic, social, cultural and environmental). Objective: To explore and to contribute the literature on special interest tourism and innovation process (e.g. ecotourism management). Methods: This is a conceptual paper that brings together the major components of innovation process and its implications in special interest tourism contexts (e.g. ecotourism). Results: The study presents closely to primary classical innovation and entrepreneurship issues. The creation process associated with the nature and sustainable reservation systems, mechanisms and information sharing are a competitive advantage over tourism destinations and products. Conclusions: The generators entrepreneurship and innovative factors that may trigger an entrepreneurial activity. The study considers some of the implications for management and literature. Implications for future research are also presented