STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE
ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY
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WHAT ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL DRIVERS OF TOURISM DESTINATION
COMPETITIVENESS?
Abduraxmonov Og’abek
Denov tadbirkorlik va pedagogika instituti 7tu
24 Turizm guruhi talabasi
Surxondaryo viloyati Denov tumani
Abstract
. This study investigates the complex drivers behind the competitiveness of global
tourism destinations, employing a comprehensive machine-learning approach to analyze data from
the World Economic Forum and the UNWTO for 2019 and 2021. By utilizing decision trees, random
forest algorithms, and Partial Dependence Plots (PDPs), the research identifies key factors—such as
ICT Readiness, Human Resources, Non-Leisure Resources, and Price Competitiveness—that
significantly influence tourism competitiveness. Key findings indicate that ICT Readiness stands out
as a critical determinant across all countries, highlighting the indispensable role of digital
infrastructure in the tourism sector. For the 20 leading destinations by international arrivals, non-
leisure resources and human resources are pivotal, suggesting that offering a wide array of activities
and maintaining a skilled workforce are essential for a competitive edge. This research contributes
valuable perspectives for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics, enriching the global
dialogue on strategies for fostering competitive and sustainable tourism industries.
Introduction. Tourism scholarship recognizes the difficulty of defining tourism competitiveness
due to the diverse factors that affect a destination's viability (Fernández et al., 2020). According to
Lee (2015), tourism competitiveness depends on long-term government policy, effective planning,
and capable administration. Countries develop national tourism policies, advertise destinations, and
create tourism-focused institutions in various ways (Paskaleva-Shapira, 2007). Enhancing destination
competitiveness is crucial, prompting nations to implement various advertising strategies, improve
infrastructure, logistics, and transportation, and train staff to interact with international tourists
(Kumar et al., 2024).
The importance of destination competitiveness is more pronounced than ever (Song et al., 2023;
Xu & Au, 2023). It encompasses natural and cultural resources, infrastructure, service quality, digital
transformation, and environmental stewardship (Luštickỳ & Štumpf, 2021; Akin et al., 2021; Dwyer,
2022). Destinations seeking international tourists, economic growth, and sustainable development
must understand and enhance these factors amid increasing competition and shifting global dynamics
(Huang et al., 2023; Yamagishi, 2023).
Research on tourism destination competitiveness is extensive, utilizing various theoretical
frameworks to understand the complex factors impacting success (Cronjé & du Plessis, 2020;
Gomezelj & Mihalič, 2008). Theories such as Porter's Diamond, the Resource-Based View (RBV),
the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), and destination management and marketing have shed light on
competitiveness (Cronjé & du Plessis, 2020). However, the need for advanced analytical tools like
machine learning to synthesize these perspectives and provide nuanced insights into competitiveness
drivers is growing, especially given the industry's challenges and opportunities (Huang et al., 2023).
This research draws on the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which includes
metrics from 117 countries for 2019 and 2021, to examine a variety of competitiveness factors. The
TTCI provides a comprehensive assessment of the tourism competitiveness of different countries by
evaluating various dimensions, such as the enabling environment, travel and tourism policy and
enabling conditions, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, and price competitiveness. To gain
a deeper understanding, this study focuses on both a broad analysis of all 117 countries and a detailed
examination of the top 20 countries by international arrivals. By comparing the factors influencing
STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE
ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY
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212
tourism competitiveness across these two groups, this study aims to identify the key drivers and how
they differ in their impact on general and top destinations.
The primary purpose of this study is to deepen our understanding of the competitiveness of
tourism destinations by reviewing and integrating key theoretical perspectives related to tourism
destination competitiveness. Additionally, it aims to utilize machine learning algorithms to explore
the multifaceted drivers of competitiveness in the current global tourism landscape, specifically
identifying and analyzing the drivers of competitiveness for the world's top 20 tourism destinations.
This focused examination provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for destination
managers and policymakers to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. By leveraging advanced
machine learning techniques, such as decision trees, random forests, and Partial Dependence Plots
(PDPs), the research aims to offer a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the factors that contribute
to tourism destination competitiveness.
Following this introduction, the paper is organized into a comprehensive literature review that
sets the theoretical foundation, a methodology section detailing the machine learning approach,
findings from the analysis of the top 20 destinations, and a discussion on the implications of these
insights for improving destination competitiveness and sustainability.
Section snippets
Theoretical frameworks for tourism destination competitiveness
Travel and tourism competitiveness theories offer a multifaceted view of what makes destinations
thrive in competitive markets. Classical economic models and modern frameworks, including
sustainability, innovation, and experience, offer insights into strategic tourism destination
management (Cronjé & du Plessis, 2020; Gomezelj & Mihalič, 2008; Zhou et al., 2015). Table 1
summarizes thirteen theoretical foundations for travel and tourism competitiveness. Each theory is
briefly described, and its
Data collection
Drawing on previous studies (e.g., González-Rodríguez et al., 2023; Kumar & Dhir, 2020; Uyar
et al., 2023), this quantitative study uses secondary data from the World Economic Forum's TTCI
(WEF, 2021) and the UNWTO (2024). This analysis relies on 2019 and 2021 TTCI data, which
includes a comprehensive set of indicators to assess tourism destination competitiveness in 117
countries. These indicators cover policy and regulatory framework, infrastructure, natural and cultural
resources, and
Decision trees via rpart
The decision tree model presented in Fig. 1 (All countries) provides a structured analysis of the
factors influencing tourism competitiveness across various countries. At the root, the tree uses ICT
readiness (Ic) to bifurcate the data, indicating that Ic is a primary determinant of tourism
competitiveness. Destinations with Ic scores below 4.9 are subsequently divided based on the Human
Resources and Labour Market (Hu) sub-pillar, emphasizing the importance of human capital in these
settings.
Discussion and conclusions. As shown in figures and tables, empirical findings from advanced
data-driven models and established economic and tourism theories weave a complex picture of
tourism destination competitiveness. This detailed synthesis confirms, challenges, and extends long-
held theories, providing a new perspective on tourism competitiveness dynamics.
These findings support previous research that human resources (Hu) are crucial to
competitiveness (Croes et al., 2020). This important finding supports Reisinger
Credit authorship contribution statement. Hasan Evrim Arici: Writing – review & editing, Writing
– original draft, Conceptualization. Mehmet Ali Köseoglu: Writing – review & editing, Writing –
original draft, Methodology, Formal analysis, Conceptualization.
Declarations of competing interest none.
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MODERN EDUCATION AND DIGITAL TOURISM
Arzimbetova Sarbinaz Abdambetovna Associate Professor of
the Department of Theory and Practice of Translation at Karakalpak State
Kholova Okila,The 2nd Year Student,
Berdakh Karakalpak State University
Annotation:
This article explores the role of tourism in the development of individuals and
societies in modern times. It discusses tourism’s contribution to personal development, economic
growth, and cultural understanding. The article also highlights key elements of the modern tourism
system, such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Keywords
: tourism system, personal development, critical thinking, lifelong learning, digital
skills, academic success, knowledge economy, innovation, modern tourism, attracting guests.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the development of individuals and societies. It is not merely about
leisure — it is a lifelong process that shapes human potential, skills, and the ability to contribute
positively to society. As Dewey [1,pp.235]. stated: "Education is not preparation for life; education is
life itself." This idea demonstrates that the knowledge and experiences gained through tourism shape
not only the intellect but also the activities of future generations.
Similarly, Mark Twain emphasized thetransformative power of travel, stating:"Travel is fatal to
prejudice, bigotry, andnarrow-mindedness."[2, p.243]. His wordshighlight that traveling broadens
one'sworldview, fosters tolerance, and promotes intercultural understanding, thereby playing an
educational role similar to that of formal learning.
