Coopetition strategy and tourism business : an empirical investigation of Egyptian tourism SMES

Abstract EN

Coopetition is a relatively new concept, a concept that emphasizes the simultaneous competition and cooperation between firms.

As Coopetition can be useful to increase competency, as well as gain more benefits with less costs (Saraniemi and Kylanen 2010).

Therefore it can be used to improve the tourism industry ability in Egypt to withstand disasters and catastrophes.

This study investigates the practice of coopetition strategy in the Egyptian tourism industry, as well as discusses the co-existence of competition and cooperation within tourism companies.

It also highlights the benefits of this emergent strategy on tourism business.

Structured questionnaires were distributed to explore coopetition within Egyptian tourism companies’ key- persons.

Data was obtained from 52 small and medium sized businesses operating in Alexandria (Egypt).

According to results, SMES that participated in the survey have a positive attitude related to the coopetition strategy.

That is, they assess the collaboration with competitors; positively.

The study concludes that the surveyed companies apply coopetition within both their functional and strategic levels