Identifying Core Indicators of Sustainable Competitiveness for Malaysian Tourism
Ann-Ni Soh1 ; Chin-Hong Puah1* and Mohammad Affendy Arip1
1 Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Malaysia.
*Corresponding author: chpuah@unimas.my
Abstract
This study examined the concept of sustainable competitiveness bridging the national productivity and sustainable development. Indeed, the overwhelming choices of indicators may lead to ineffective adoption and policy implementation in the industry or country level. Based on the Sustainable Competitiveness Index (SCI) proposed by the World Economic Forum, this study presents an effective metrics that comprehensively measures the tourism sustainable competitiveness for Malaysia. Findings revealed that the five key dimensions are human capital; market conditions; policy environment and enabling conditions; physical environment; and technology and innovation. The important features identified using random forest regression indicated 12 key indicators that may serve as a starting point for practitioners, tourism business leaders and policymakers to move towards the Sustainable Competitiveness path. The constructed Tourism Sustainable Competitiveness Index (TSCI) also traced six impactful tourism crises successfully. The TSCI may act as an early warning tool, essential for crises management as well as recovery planning.Sustainable competitiveness, Indicators, Early warning tool, Tourism sustainability, Random forest, Malaysia.
Keywords: Sustainable competitiveness, Indicators, Early warning tool, Tourism sustainability, Random forest, Malaysia.