Resource-based local development and networked core competencies for tourism excellence

The purpose of this article is to propose a complementary approach to the analysis of tourism systems
which is grounded on theoretical frameworks deriving from the fields of dynamic capabilities and
destination management. In particular, the paper explores the relationship between the networking
approach of tourism firms and the development of tourism core-competencies. This perspective aims at
providing a development path for policy maker actions based on the appraisal of local resources and
tourism competencies. The empirical section studies an Italian area characterized by a high potential in
terms of tourism resources but also, especially in the past, a medium-low relevance regarding the
tourism economy. However, recently this area has shown a very interesting entrepreneurial dynamicity
in tourism and cultural sectors. It is an appropriate field of research for the analysis regarding the
determinants of tourism core-competence development.