Determining the Sustainability Factors and Performance of a Tourism Destination from the Stakeholders’ Perspective

• Main Authors: Manuel Rodríguez Díaz, Tomás F. Espino Rodríguez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-09-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: tourism destination; sustainability; stakeholders; performance; tourism resources; destination management
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/9/951

The competitiveness of a tourism destination depends on the sustainability of its economic and environmental resources. The aim of this paper is to determine the key factors in achieving the sustainability of a tourism destination in relation to the performance obtained. A methodology based on the opinions of stakeholders is developed to determine the sustainability factors and performance in the tourism destination of Gran Canaria. The variables used in the study are related to the environmental resources, the principal agents in the tourism supply chain, the governance of the destination, and the complementary characteristics that improve the competitiveness of the tourism destination, as well as the dimensions that determine security. Performance is measured by stakeholders from two perspectives, the destination and the customers, in order to establish the main variables that will influence the destination’s sustainability. The key sustainability factors were identified, and a regression analysis determined that there was a positive influence on long-term performance. The results showed that the key factors that have a direct and significant relationship with performance are the key resources and supply chain, security, alternative leisure, and governance.