Conference Destination Competitiveness Assessment: A Case Study of Xiamen

Abstract

In recent years, conference tourism is an important development direction of China's tourism market and the destination cities have been facing fierce competition. Conference destinations differ from mass tourism destinations in competitive factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate Xiamen's competitiveness as a conference destination, improve Crouch & Ritchie’s tourism destination competition model, from the four aspects of restrictive core factors, core attractions, supporting factors, and destination management. The present study sought to evaluate Xiamen's competitiveness in urban public services, accessibility, location, economic conditions, natural environment, and other core elements such as tourism products, DMC services, conference facilities, and related policies. By analyzing these elements of competitiveness, to find Xiamen’s advantages and disadvantages as a conference destination, then make some recommendations to improve it.