This research develops a theoretical framework explaining how University-Industry Linkages (UILs) affect the performance of tourism clusters in Thailand. Significant external and internal factors affecting Thai tourism industry are examined. The research questions are significant given the importance of successful tourism cluster through University-Industry Linkages (UIL). These questions recognized tourism clusters, the role of university, the linkages between university and industry, influential factors are contextual, and as a result, the author explores four tourism clusters in Thailand and using multiple case studies explains the nature and character of tourism cluster and University-Industry Linkages (UILs) between tourism cluster and its universities. The findings demonstrated that UILs, strategic entrepreneurship and leadership play key role to successful tourism cluster in developing countries.

El presente trabajo de investigación analiza la conformación de un cluster en los países en vías de desarrollo de Latinoamérica. Las investigaciones de competitividad turística y modelo de gestión de destinos identifican una serie de componentes clave para la óptima gestión de recursos asociados al sector. Los estudios identifican un modelo aplicable en Huaral, provincia de la región Lima, en Perú. El objetivo del documento es analizar los componentes de un modelo de gestión de destinos para explotar los principales recursos a través de la propuesta de una metodología de implementación de cluster turístico. El enfoque teórico y metodológico para este modelo consiste en la revisión de modelos de competitividad y su aplicación para la validación del destino turístico como un destino con potencial competitivo. Es así que con la ayuda de las herramientas de recolección de datos (encuestas y entrevistas semi estructuradas) y base de datos de las entidades competentes en la materia se comprueba que, en efecto, la provincia cuenta con potencial turístico. Así mismo se realiza un estudio sobre los modelos aplicables de clusteres turísticos, tomando como referente el propuesto por Pearce (2016). Finalmente se emplea herramientas de análisis de destinos para definir el grado de integración y la conformación y fortalecimiento de las redes de integración de agentes y de esta forma validar la propuesta de conformación del cluster que fomente el desarrollo estratégico de las ventajas comparativas y competitivas para la creación de una oferta atractiva e innovadora. / The present research work analyzes the conformation of a Cluster in the developing countries of Latin America. Tourism competitiveness research and destination management model identify a series of key components for the optimal management of resources associated with the sector. The studies identify an applicable model in Huaral, province of the Lima region, in Peru. The objective of the document is to analyze the components of a destination management model to exploit the main resources through the proposal of a tourism Cluster implementation methodology. The theoretical and methodological approach for this model consists of the review of competitiveness models and their application for the validation of the tourist destination as a destination with competitive potential. Thus, with the help of data collection tools (surveys and semi-structured interviews) and database of the competent entities in the matter, it is proven that, in effect, the province has tourism potential. Likewise, a study is made on the applicable models of tourist clusters, taking as a reference the one proposed by Pearce (2016). Finally, destination analysis tools are used to define the degree of integration and the conformation and strengthening of agent integration networks and thus validate the proposal for the conformation of the cluster that fosters the strategic development of comparative and competitive advantages for the creation of an attractive and innovative offer. / Tesis

This diploma thesis will show how mutual cooperation of small and medium businesses in a tourism cluster can increase promotion and revenue in the tourism industry. Theoretical part of this study presents definitions, characteristics and typology of clusters. Later on, the theoretical part describes practices in the mapping of clusters and a cluster's lifecycle. The last chapters will summarize the benefits of clusters to its stakeholders and means of financing and program support via EU grants. Practical part is focused on the strategy of a tourism cluster in the Central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. This strategy also includes useful examples of how the cluster members can actively and effectively participate in managing mutual activities and projects. Operations, organizational structure, finance and support are also topics that are going to be discussed in this study.