Fostering tourism demand by adopting a collaborative perspective: A case study of a public-private partnership in Western Sicily

Abstract

This study provides insights into a public and private partnership aimed at enhancing tourism demand in Western Sicily by increasing collaboration among neighbouring territories. The work presents the partnership case study relying on primary and secondary data. Relying on the economia aziendale theory and by conducting top-down thematic analysis, the work shows the purposes at the basis of the initiative according to the viewpoints of the entrepreneur who conceived it and the participants, who were used to competing with each other for tourism. The study sheds light on the evolution of tourism governance in the region, highlighting collaboration and coopetition logics and the pivotal role of common good orientation. The results serve as a basis for orienting collaborative partnerships in the tourism sector. In addition, the study contributes to sustainable tourism development practices, showing the relevant role of private and public entities in implementing collaborative governance to enhance tourism demand.