Determinants of competitiveness in a tourism market: a study of comparative advantage in Águas de São Pedro - SP

Abstract

The development of tourism in the past decades and the new destinations and tourist products created for more demanding customers increased the competition between destinations in the tourism market. Based on the principies of sustainable tourism, this research intends to identify how the comparative advantage of Águas de São Pedro, in São Paulo State, known for its attractions, influences its competitiveness. After having revised available literature on competitiveness and sustainability of tourist destinations, the model found to be most appropriate was applied to Águas de São Pedro, chosen due to its unique attributes as to its air quality and mineral waters, as well as due to its high social rating. Results revealed that tourists perceive the destinations' unique attributes. They also indicated the necessity of exploring those attributes based on sustainable principies, in order to become more competitive.