Competitive intelligence in hospitality and tourism: a perspective article

Purpose: This study aims to critically review competitive intelligence (CI) research and offer suggestions for future research in the hospitality and tourism (HT) field. Design/methodology/approach: The study reviews and synthetizes current CI research in the HT field. Findings: The study findings suggest that CI research in HT is at an embryonic level, as researchers have not used the same terminology on what CI is, how CI is implemented and what should be included in the CI framework. Hence, researchers should address the link between operation and CI practices. Also, new studies discussing business espionage and ethics in CI practices are needed because the related studies are rare. Practical implications: The study offers specific theoretical and practical implications for CI research. Originality/value: This study provides a perspective on future developments of CI research in the HT field.