Sousa, Bruno2018-02-162018-02-162018http://hdl.handle.net/10400.19/4824Introduction: The innovation process, and its application to several contexts, has been gradually gaining ground in the academic community as a field of study. Similarly, in recent decades, tourism has received greater attention from academics in different sciences and focus (e.g. economic, social, cultural and environmental). Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore and to contribute the literature on special interest tourism and innovation process (e.g. ecotourism management). Methods: This is a conceptual paper that brings together the major components of innovation process and its implications in special interest tourism contexts (e.g. ecotourism). Results: The study presents closely to primary classical innovation and entrepreneurship issues. The creation process associated with the nature and sustainable reservation systems, mechanisms and information sharing are a competitive advantage over tourism destinations and products. Conclusions: The generators entrepreneurship and innovative factors that may trigger an entrepreneurial activity. The study considers some of the implications for management and literature. Implications for future research are also presented.engCompetitivenessEcotourismInnovationSustainabilityThe role of innovation in special interest tourism: a theoretical approachjournal article10.29352/mill0205.08.00162