Managing tourism destinations is a crucial part of controlling tourism’s environmental impacts. Destination management can include land use planning, business permits, zoning controls, environmental and other regulations, business association initiatives, and various techniques to shape the development and daily operation of tourism-related activities.
The term “destination” refers broadly to an area where tourism is a relatively important activity and where tourism revenues may significantly influence the economy. Destination management is complicated because a single, recognizable destination may include several municipalities, provinces, or other government entities – in island environments, it may be the entire country.
Participating governance structures led by local authorities, with the involvement of local NGOs, community and indigenous representatives, academia, and local chambers of commerce, make up what are known as “Destination Management Organizations” (DMOs).
Often, DMOs take the form of local tourism boards, councils, or development organizations. The network of local tourism businesses (hotels, attractions, transportation services, service providers such as guides and equipment rentals, restaurants, etc.) is also a significant part of a destination.
Destination Management Approach
The needs, expectations, and anticipated benefits of tourism vary greatly from one destination to the next, and there is certainly no “one size fits all” approach to destination management. As local communities living in regions with tourism potential develop a vision for what kind of tourism they want to facilitate, a comprehensive planning framework such as Local Agenda 21 has proved useful. It is being used more and more often. Promoting sustainable tourism within Local Agenda 21 processes is a way to strengthen local stewardship of the environment.
