Hidden factors: Operations management implications for the Hayman Island Resort

Abstract

The tourism sector greatly contributes to Australia’s national economy and plays a significant role in most regional economies, including the Whitsundays region in Northern Queensland, Australia. Aiming to be known as one of the world’s leading tropical island and marine leisure holiday destinations, the Whitsundays tourism operators need to flexibly adapt to the changing and sometimes chaotic conditions of the region’s natural environment to help attain this goal. The location-based socio-economic and physical factors and the climate challenge the business operations and management strategies of all businesses, including luxury tourism resorts. This case study presents the key external factors, which can challenge sustainable performance of resort operations located in tropical island destinations in Whitsundays. The case presents information to enable students to apply different theories and concepts from the field of operations management. This will enable students to recommend operations management strategies to optimise sustainable performance of tourism resorts impacted by climate change.

The book includes international case studies that can help tourism scholars build and advance (new) theories and enrich their educational practices. Case studies are accompanied with a teaching note guiding scholars to integrate case studies into instruction.