The effect of disruptions and disruptive innovations on the innovation of business models in the South African Tourism Sector

Abstract

According to the literature, there are still contrasting opinions about the phenomenon of disruptions and disruptive innovations despite various research studies that have been undertaken in an attempt to clarify the theory. Several scholars have revised and expanded on the theory in light of the rapidly evolving, fast-paced, and complex business environment, further adding to the differing points of view. This study, therefore, sought to explore the phenomenon of disruptions and disruptive innovations in the context of the tourism sector. The study aimed to explore how the phenomenon is viewed and understood by various stakeholders in the sector. Ample literature exists on the constructs of business and business model innovation. There is however a gap in the literature on the innovation or adaptation of business models in view of the disruptions or disruptive innovation. Furthermore, research studies on the phenomenon of disruptive innovations in the context of the tourism sector are limited.The study further explored how businesses in the tourism sector adapted and innovated their business disruptions and disruptive innovations with the adaptation and innovation of business models. The aim was also to determine whether disruptions and disruptive innovations had an effect on the adaptation and innovation of business models. The research was conducted following a qualitative research methodology to explore the topic through the narratives of the various stakeholders in the tourism sector. In-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview questionnaire, with 13 participants selected from various tourism sub-sectors. The sub-sectors selected as part of the sample consisted of hospitality, travel intermediaries, transport, and tourism institutions. The study found that the phenomenon of disruptions and disruptive innovations is commonly viewed in the tourism sector as any change confirm significantly impacts and changes the normal ways of conducting business. The study also found that businesses in the tourism sector adapt or innovate their business models in response to disruptions. The study further revealed that the pace of the adaptation or innovation will vary depending on how the disruption or disruptive innovation is viewed and the significance of the impact on normal business operations. The study contributes to the growing literature on disruptive innovations and business model innovations. The study further contributes to business, tourism bodies, and government institutions by providing valuable insights for decision making and policy development purposes.