Raising Domestic capabilities in the tourism management

The tourism industry has become the focus of economic growth, culture and its role in social inclusion is becoming an internationally recognized industry. Nevertheless, foreign expertise and a high percentage of foreign investment tend to make the tourism systems in domestic countries less sustainable and independent. This paper reflects on how to build up domestic competencies in the area of management in the tourism industry by considering policy changes, human resource development, digitalization, and sustainability in the developed and developing economies. Using 37 current and pioneer academic references, the paper will amalgamate both empirical and theoretical knowledge on improving human capital, empowering the society/local population, and reinforce the institutional structures. It investigates how other nations such as Vietnam, Turkey, South Africa, China, Jordan and Indonesia have embarked to develop structural reforms to make tourism leadership more precise and tackle post-COVID recovery, gender and labour inequalities and inclusion of rural. The article presents the case of the dynamic capabilities approach based on the features of context intelligence, collaborating with stakeholders, and the building capacity policies. Results indicate that strong domestic strengths do not only play a crucial role in long-term competitiveness but also capability of regenerating in response to economic crises, health calamities and the health environment. The paper ends with policy suggestions and a sustainable, inclusive and locally-led tourism futures roadmap.