Quality in regional sports tourism: a network approach to strategic quality management

Abstract

Research on quality management in regional sports tourism (RST) is deficient. While most studies have focused on one or a few selected areas of RST, comprehensive approaches and theoretically grounded work are scarce. This article proposes a conceptual framework for quality management through evaluation on the network level of RST. The model is premised on conceptualising the sports tourism product as an experience comprising a bundle of benefits generated through a RST network consisting of multiple stakeholders. It facilitates a systematic and ongoing evaluation of RST networks that is underpinned by three dimensions of quality: structure, processes and outcomes.

Keywords:

• quality assurance
• evaluation
• interorganisational network
• stakeholder
• integrated management

Notes

^†Parts of this paper are derived from an earlier paper that was published in German: Wäsche H. (2010). Evaluation und Qualitätsmanagement im Sporttourismus. In A. Woll, H. Haag and F. Mess (Eds.). (pp. 155–171). Handbuch Evaluation im Sport. Schorndorf: Hofmann.