Innovation in services: the case of rural tourism in Argentina

ANDRÉS LÓPEZ; DANIELA RAMOS

Emerging Markets Finance and Trade

Taylor and Francis

Año: 2015

1540-496X

We analyze the innovation process in the rural tourism (RT) sector in Argentina. The identification of a differentiated attribute is key for the success of RT initiatives. This often involves a collective action and a self-discovery process. As RT is a package of services, complementation among different providers is needed. Hence, public policies may facilitate coordination and cooperation among RT providers. The fact that RT groups are formed by small and micro producers located in rural and often poorly connected areas is the main obstacle for innovation. The effects of RT initiatives are hard to measure, but they are seemingly important at the local level.