Product diversification and isomorphism: The case of ski resorts and “me-too” innovation

Abstract

Many ski-lift operators are trying to diversify their business by opening summer parks and in so doing, to reposition their resorts as year-round destinations. Almost half of ski-lift operators in Tyrol introduced such parks in the period from 2000 to 2018. The purpose of this study is to assess competitive determinants of following suit by copying these summer park introduced by competitors. Estimates using a Cox survival model show that the likelihood to adopt these summer parks is mainly determined by cooperation with competitors (coopetition) through year-round resident pass alliances and by the size of the operator. However, the park theme is, in turn, determined by location and terrain characteristics.