Perceived threat of informal players: Enhancing the operational performance of inbound tour operators through coopetition

This paper explores the effect of the perceived threat of informal tourism actors on the operational performance of formal actors. Based on data collected from 130 inbound tour operators, the paper develops and tests a conceptual model representing the effect of the perceived threat of informal actors. The analysis has revealed a complementary partial mediation effect of the perceived threat of informal actors on operational performance. The perceived threat of informal actors is significantly associated with operating performance, both directly and indirectly, via increased coopetition among tour operators. The findings provide a basis for theoretical and managerial recommendations.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the impact of perceived threat from informal tourism actors on the operational performance of formal actors. Through data collected from 130 inbound tour operators, the paper develops and tests a conceptual model that represents the effect of perceived threat from informal actors. The analysis reveals that perceived threat from informal actors has a complementary partial mediation effect on operational performance. It is found that the perceived threat is significantly associated with operational performance, both directly and indirectly through increased coopetition among tour operators. The findings have implications for theory and management.