Perceived threat of informal players : enhancing the operational performance of inbound tour operators through coopetition

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of the perceived threat of informal tourism actors onthe operational performance of formal actors. Based on data collected from130 inbound tour operators, the paper develops and tests a conceptual model repre-senting the effect of the perceived threat of informal actors. The analysis hasrevealed a complementary partial mediation effect of the perceived threat of informalactors on operational performance. The perceived threat of informal actors is signifi-cantly associated with operating performance, both directly and indirectly, viaincreased coopetition among tour operators. The findings provide a basis fortheoretical and managerial recommendations.