Imitate? Or be Imitated? The Sustainable and Unique Competencies and Structure of Theme-Based Hotels

Chia-Yen Ma (), Ben Wu (), Kuo-Ching Wang (), Wen-Yin Lee () and Wen-Hwa Lee ()
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Chia-Yen Ma: National Taiwan Normal University
Ben Wu: Fudan University
Kuo-Ching Wang: National Taiwan Normal University
Wen-Yin Lee: Cathay Hospitality Management
Wen-Hwa Lee: National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, No 148, 4245 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the sustainable competitive advantages of theme hotels. The research examined and compared 11 theme-based brand hotels in China and Taiwan as they all possess value as practical management references. In the post-epidemic era, the upgrades to hotels have become the focus of the industry. The reengineering of themed hotel brands and how the industry decides on the priority of focused investments for resource dimensions. This study proposes theme-based management of hotels, the development of sustainable unique competencies, and competitive advantages. The results found that the theme selection can be “combined with local characteristics” to develop “unique competencies,” and intangible assets are the most important priority. “Brand marketing” is conveyed through “employee competencies,” and core competencies are “integrated and upgraded” as well as “continuously evolved” to develop unique competencies and eventually integrate external resources to form “cross-industry alliances” and undergo “dynamic adjustments” to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage.

Keywords: Theme hotel; Theming strategy; Resource base theory; Sustainable distinctive competencies; Sustainable competitive advantage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02125-2

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