In her doctoral thesis, Helena Turunen M.Sc.(Econ.) examines challenges, which the growth of international tourism sets for the internationalisation skills, product development and co-operation of small-to-medium-sized Finnish tourism companies. The doctoral thesis in the field of International Business, titled 'The Internationalisation of Location-bound Service SMEs – Resources and Networks in Finnish Tourism Companies' will be defended at the Turku School of Economics on 13 November 2009.
It has been estimated that the number of international tourists in the world will more than double during the next decade. An increasing number of foreign tourists will also visit Finland.
– The role of small-to-medium-sized tourism companies as producers of internationally attractive and high-quality tourism services will continue to increase in significance', says Helena Turunen.
In addition to language skills and knowledge of different cultures, companies will be required to be able to do such things as develop internationally attractive theme-based tourism products. Tourism companies and regional tourism developers will need to have a common will, a clear division of labour and the right networks for co-operation.
Degree of internationalisation classifies a tourism company
Based on research results, three different stereotypes of tourism companies were found, each with their own role in the internationalisation of a tourism area or centre.
Right from the very beginning, international entrepreneurs set up their companies with an eye on international markets. Their activity creates a tourism market for their area. International entrepreneurs are often the engines of the development of tourism production and tourism in their area. Entrepreneurs have good personal connections with foreign organisers of travel and distribution channels.
Emerging developers of internationalisation are companies, which have expertise in services for international tourists and in the development of internationally attractive products. In international markets, they are, however, dependent on international entrepreneurs in their area.
The third group comprises passive developers of internationalisation. They are not conscious of their attempts to internationalise. They internationalise as part of the tourism system and tourism production, as partners and subcontractors for international companies.
– The role of passive developers of internationalisation in international tourism production may, however, be essential. Often it is just these companies that produce the most authentic travel experiences for tourists, says Turunen.
Operating in networks demands a critical attitude
Fair and profitable co-operation between tourism actors – in both the private and public sectors – creates the prerequisites for the growth and internationalisation of the tourism industry. From a point of view of an individual company, the skilful use of tourism networks is a strategic resource. Internationalisation also requires tourism companies to adopt new kinds of operating practices and a single-minded networking strategy.
– A company's networks are the foundation of product development and the source of innovation and a sustainable competitive edge. Productive operations in tourism networks require entrepreneurs to be focused on objectives, have a critical attitude and be flexible, summarises Helena Turunen.
Further information:
Helena Turunen
+328 50 409 4547, helena.turunen(a)hamk.fi
The thesis can be read at: http://info.tse.fi/julkaisut/vk/Ae12_2009.pdf