Sharing tourism knowledge : Regional capacity building through online skills

In: Paper presented at the 28th Australian New Zealand Regional Science Association International (ANZRSAI) Annual Conference: The Regional Development Cocktail, Wollongong, Australia : 28th September - October 1st, 2004

Abstract

Skills augmentation, through individual and collective learning, building destination relationships and network linkages through knowledge sharing and industry-wide benchmarking are internationally recognised as leading economic drivers for regional growth in general and the tourism industry in particular. The aim of this paper is to share the authors' initial insights into regional tourism industry network and capacity building via online skilling and knowledge sharing. Applying an ICT and Internet-enhanced platform for the delivery of business skills, this paper discusses an online learning pilot for micro tourism businesses in regional Australia designed to offer tourism information and skills development towards industry accreditation. While a tripartite university-government-industry partnership was successfully established to share knowledge towards regional capacity building and industry benchmarking, the authors also highlight silo politics, cultural differences, lack of leadership and lack of trust as some of the main barriers to effective and bilateral knowledge sharing towards regional industry capacity building. ; E1