This study analyses the size, efficiency and productivity of a representative sample of Spanish hotels. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, three different return-to-scale models are estimated. The number of full-time employees (FTEs), the staff cost and the number of rooms (inputs) and the total operating revenue (output) are used to estimate the levels of efficiency and productivity. The results show that independent properties must be more competitive if they are to survive in the medium and long terms. Three elements are essential to achieve greater competitiveness: (i) a higher level of differentiation; (ii) application of the results of technological innovation in the production process; and (iii) a more intensive level of cooperation.

(2008). Evaluating the Contribution of Tourism to Economic Growth. Anatolia: Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 351-357.

This study investigates the relationship between tourism destination competitiveness and the competitiveness of international hotel firms using an integrated approach based on Porter (1990). A mediation model is employed to link destination competitiveness, efficiency and firm competitiveness. Global technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency are estimated through data envelopment analysis techniques. The results confirm a positive relationship between destination competitiveness and firm competitiveness, but efficiency does not play a mediating role linking both.

This article empirically explores the relationship existing between the online reputation and tourism competitiveness of Spanish coastal tourism destinations. It is based on big data from comments made by tourists in social media. The existing literature suggests that, in theory, a destination's online reputation plays a key role in promoting its competitiveness. However, the results obtained in this study reflect, for the Spanish case, that this effect is today still very small and other determinants of competitiveness exist that are more relevant in promoting a true competitive advantage of destinations.