Analysis of the role of innovation and efficiency in coastal destinations affected by tourism seasonality

Abstract

This research analyses the relationship between efficiency, innovation and seasonality of the Spanish coasts for a five-year period (2015−2019). First of all, the nexus between the level of efficiency and changes in productivity, driven by improvements in innovation and/or efficiency, is determined using Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Index. Second, this paper proposes a synthetic index to measure seasonality and assess its connection with efficiency and innovation, using a cross efficiency approach to do so. Results show how the intensity of seasonality influences efficiency. In addition, it is observed that innovation can offset possible decreases in efficiency; as such, policies that promote both aspects are needed in the more seasonal destinations.