Ecosystem perspectives in Tourism: Theoretical roots, conceptual evolution, and research frameworks
Ecosystem perspectives in Tourism: Theoretical roots, conceptual evolution, and research frameworks

Summary/Abstract: The tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by intensified competition, growing uncertainty, and accelerated digitalization. In this context, long-term competitiveness increasingly depends not only on firm-level resources, but also on collaboration, knowledge exchange, network interdependencies, and institutional arrangements connecting multiple actors involved in shaping the tourist experience. Consequently, the concept of the “ecosystem” has gained prominence in tourism research. However, its widespread adoption has also resulted in conceptual ambiguity and inconsistent application, particularly when used interchangeably to describe destinations, digital platforms, business networks, or innovation environments. This paper examines the theoretical relevance and analytical validity of the ecosystem concept within tourism-related economic and management research. It traces the emergence of the business ecosystem metaphor and discusses its conceptual roots, including debates concerning biological analogies and alternative interpretations linked to the notion of oikos. Drawing on organizational ecology, neo-institutional perspectives on coordination beyond the traditional “market–hierarchy” dichotomy, and the dynamic capabilities framework, the study demonstrates the suitability of the ecosystem perspective for analyzing tourism as a multi-actor, modular, and increasingly platform-mediated industry. The paper further systematizes the main ecosystem-related research streams relevant to tourism—business, innovation, entrepreneurial, and platform ecosystems—and outlines key implications for research design, ecosystem boundary definition, and measurement.

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