Evidence-based policy-making and knowledge management in tourism

Abstract

This chapter examines evidence-based policy-making (EBPM) and its intersection with knowledge management in tourism. It highlights the contributions of Prof. Chris Cooper to knowledge management in tourism and discusses how EBPM, incorporating scientific research (including econometric modelling), management experience, and political judgement, remains underutilised in tourism policy analysis. Drawing on the author’s doctoral research and subsequent work, the chapter argues that evidence-based approaches, particularly econometric modelling of tourism demand and policy impacts, can enhance destination competitiveness. It identifies gaps in the tourism literature, explores barriers to evidence use, and proposes a future research agenda covering the epistemology of evidence in tourism, the production and communication of evidence, relationships between science and policy communities (including industry and residents), and the measurable outcomes of EBPM for tourism policy and development. The chapter serves as a tribute to Prof. Chris Cooper’s multidisciplinary contributions.