Introducing Destination Benchmarking: A Conceptual Approach

Abstract

As a performance management and improvement method beyond comparison research, benchmarking was originally carried out within manufacturing businesses to identify gaps and suggest the relevant techniques to close them. Subsequently, it has been modified by different researchers and also applied to service industries, such as accounting, hotels, and transportation. Despite this, a literature review demonstrates that there is still a clear gap in benchmarking relating to tourist destinations. In line with the theoretical background, this article therefore aims to suggest a benchmarking model for use in measuring and improving the performance of tourist destinations. © 2004 International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education.