African Journal of
Business Management

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Bus. Manage.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1993-8233
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJBM
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 4198

Full Length Research Paper

Modeling an increase in recreation specialization investments as a strategy to grow a tourism destination

Shih-Ming Ou* and Ching Chang
Chung Hua University, Department of Transportation Technology and Logistics Management, 707, Sec.2, WuFu Rd., HsinChu, Taiwan, R. O. C.
Email: E-mail:[email protected]

  •  Accepted: 14 June 2011
  •  Published: 04 August 2011

Abstract

This paper explores the question of how recreation specialization affects the development of a tourism destination over time. We formulate the development process as an optimal control problem by adjusting specialization investments for the purpose of either attracting more tourists or discouraging tourists from visiting. Our research suggests investment strategies for two types of tourism destination consistent with the intensity of correlation between recreational activities and degree of specialization. Our data show that when the influx of tourists exceeds the carrying capacity of a destination, tourism companies will reduce investment to avoid congestion. Otherwise, companies will increase expenditures to maximize profits.

 

Key words: Recreation specialization, investment strategy, tourism destination, optimal control.