Social capital in the tourism destination of Bohemian Switzerland

Abstract

This paper explores social capital in the tourism destination of Bohemian Switzerland, located in the north of the Czech Republic. The research uses the synergy view on social capital, which incorporates organisational and institutional actors as well as local community. Through interviewing different types of stakeholders from the destination, data were collected and consequently analysed with the use of thematic analysis. An important element was identified: trust, which is especially necessary in order to facilitate collaboration. Furthermore, positive influence from communication and local engagement in collaborations was noted. In addition, the role of institutions and tourism organisations in the creation and positive demonstration of social capital in a tourism destination was emphasized. Therefore, there is a need to recognise the complementary relationships of different agents in tourism destinations.