Short answer

Integrate co-creation and sustainability principles from the outset of product development in the tourism sector.

Field
Sustainability
Source
Sustainability (2023)
Method
Case Study with Co-creation Methodology
Evidence
Strong effect

Collaborative design processes between educational institutions and businesses can lead to the development of innovative, sustainable tourism products that offer competitive advantages. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainability. Using Case study with co-creation methodology, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate co-creation and sustainability principles from the outset of product development in the tourism sector.

Study
SustainabilityRecentStrong effect

Co-creation of sustainable tourism experiences drives innovation in business models

Collaborative design processes between educational institutions and businesses can lead to the development of innovative, sustainable tourism products that offer competitive advantages.

Sustainability · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Sustainability is a critical trend shaping traveler preferences and the future of tourism.
  • 02Co-creation between education and industry can foster innovative sustainable business models.
  • 03Valuing socio-cultural authenticity, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring well-being are key to sustainable tourism.
  • 04Investment in sustainable practices can provide competitive advantages.
  • 05A circular economy model is a desirable future for the sector.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate co-creation and sustainability principles from the outset of product development in the tourism sector.

How to apply

When developing tourism-related products or services, involve potential users, local communities, and educational experts in the design process, with a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility.

Project actions

  • 01Consider partnering with a local business or organization for your project.
  • 02Focus on a specific aspect of sustainability (e.g., waste reduction, local sourcing, energy efficiency) within a tourism context.
  • 03Document your collaborative process and how it influenced your design decisions.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore how co-creation methodologies can be used to develop new, sustainable business models for the tourism and hospitality sector.
MethodCase Study with Co-creation Methodology
ProcedureA higher education institution and a hotel partnered using the Demola Model. They employed design research, observations, interviews, benchmarking, speculative design, and future scenarios to understand markets and explore opportunities. The outcome was the 'Aquafire—Underwater Food Experience' restaurant concept.
ContextSustainable Tourism and Hospitality

Variables

IVCollaborative design process (e.g., level of stakeholder involvement, types of tools used)
DVInnovation in sustainable business models (e.g., novelty of the product, environmental impact, economic viability)
CVType of tourism/hospitality business, geographical context, specific sustainability goals
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Emphasizes practical application of design research tools.
  • +Highlights the growing importance of sustainability in a major global industry.
  • +Provides a concrete example of a co-created sustainable product.

Limitations

It might be difficult to secure a formal partnership with a business. The scope of 'co-creation' can be broad, so defining clear roles and contributions is essential.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by the use of multiple research tools and a real-world partnership. Reliability could be enhanced by replicating the methodology across different contexts and partners.

Think critically

To what extent can the success of a co-created sustainable tourism product be attributed to the collaborative process itself, versus the inherent market demand or the specific expertise of the partners?

05

Design Principles

"Sustainable innovation is best achieved through collaborative design processes that value local context and long-term impact."

This highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing global challenges like sustainability within the tourism sector. It demonstrates how design thinking can be applied to create viable business models that prioritize environmental and social well-being alongside economic growth.

06

What This Means for Your Design

When businesses and schools work together, they can come up with cool, eco-friendly ideas for hotels and holidays that people will love and that help the environment.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the concept of co-creation to justify involving different stakeholders in your user research or design development.
  • 2.Refer to the importance of sustainability as a driving force for innovation in your project's context.
  • 3.Analyze how the proposed business model addresses environmental and social impacts.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This project draws inspiration from research highlighting the power of co-creation in developing sustainable tourism experiences. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, as demonstrated in studies like Guerra and Gonçalves (2023), innovative business models can emerge that prioritize environmental stewardship and community well-being, leading to competitive advantages and a more resilient sector.

09

Source

Sustainability

Co-Creation of Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Experiences: Education and Organizations in Search of New Business Models

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about co-creation of sustainable tourism experiences drives innovation in business models?
Integrate co-creation and sustainability principles from the outset of product development in the tourism sector. Evidence: Sustainability (2023).
Why does "Co-creation of sustainable tourism experiences drives innovation in business models" matter for design?
This highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing global challenges like sustainability within the tourism sector. It demonstrates how design thinking can be applied to create viable business models that prioritize environmental and social well-being alongside economic growth.
How can designers apply this research?
Integrate co-creation and sustainability principles from the outset of product development in the tourism sector.
What were the main findings?
Sustainability is a critical trend shaping traveler preferences and the future of tourism.. Co-creation between education and industry can foster innovative sustainable business models.. Valuing socio-cultural authenticity, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring well-being are key to sustainable tourism.. Investment in sustainable practices can provide competitive advantages.
What research method was used?
Case Study with Co-creation Methodology.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainability.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When developing tourism-related products or services, involve potential users, local communities, and educational experts in the design process, with a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility.
What are the limitations?
The study focuses on a single case, potentially limiting generalizability. The specific success of the 'Aquafire' concept in practice is not detailed.