Correspondence: Jack, Carlsen, Curtin Sustainable Tourism Centre, Curtin University of Technology, PO Box U1987, Perth 6845 WA, Australia. Tel: +61 892661132; E-mail: Jack.Carlsen@cbs.curtin.edu.au

¹is Professor of Tourism Studies and Co-Director of the Curtin Sustainable Tourism Centre (CSTC) at Curtin University, researching sustainable tourism development, planning and management and producing journal publications, technical reports, case studies and other academic contributions. These include The Family Business in Tourism and Hospitality published in 2004 and Global Wine Tourism: Research Management and Marketing published in 2006. The CSTC also contributes to the Australian Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre and the Sustainable Enterprises Research programme and maintains strong linkages with industry and professional associations both within Australia and internationally.

²is the STCRC Senior Research Fellow in Urban Tourism in the School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism at the University of Technology, Sydney. Deborah's interests are in sustainable tourism management, urban attractions, tourism planning, community volunteers in tourism attractions and the social impacts of events. Deborah is on the steering committee of the Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel Education Network (BEST EN).

Received 1 September 2007; Revised 1 September 2007; Published online 4 February 2008.

Abstract

These three case studies explore the key drivers, processes, barriers and networks associated with innovation for sustainable tourism. The case studies were presented by representatives of the three very distinct organisations, yet reveal common issues when describing their approach to innovation. The common denominator that runs through both small and large organisations is the need for collaboration networks that support, communicate and disseminate the benefits of innovation.