Factors affecting the implementation capability of local tourism administrative organizations (TAOs) in policy/plan implementation in China : a case study

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the factors affecting the implementation capability of the local tourism administrative organizations (TAOs) in China when implementing a tourism policy or plan. Based on the understanding that tourism policy/plan implementation in China is an inter-organizational process in which tourism administrative organizations coordinate with other actors and stake-holders to obtain resources to implement a tourism policy/plan, this study examines what factors affect the capability of the tourism administrative organization to coordinate and cooperate with other actors. A qualitative investigation using case studies at different administrative levels (province, municipality, and county) in Yunnan Province, China was conducted. Factors which constrain and/or facilitate implementation capability were identified and examined. Based on the study findings, a framework of factors affecting the implementation capability of the local tourism administrative organizations was developed. Finally, some propositions were developed to further illustrate and provide some insights about the nature of the relationships between factors and the implementation capability of the local tourism administrative organization.