Purpose – Destinations are focal points for tourist activity and thus for the study of tourism. They are,
however, notoriously difficult to manage due to their complex systems of stakeholders. Such complexity
implies that destinations are driven by a wide range of forces in their internal and external environments.
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the diversity and depth of the challenges at play in destination
management and, in doing so, review the primary contributions in the field.
Design/methodology/approach – This is a perspective paper (i.e. critical literature review).
Findings – The study of destinations remains an area of active research interest, with the many
challenges that arise from within and external to destinations offering much food for thought with respect
to their longevity as viable, sustainable and competitive places for tourists to visit. For the future, the need
to view destinations as part of a wider system is paramount with them being inescapable from debates on
urban planning, economic inequality, transportation and housing and the omnipresence of all things
‘‘smart’’. Such debates need to incorporate both tourists and resident communities, as the well-being and
quality of life of both groups is under threat in many destinations, particularly heritage and culturally rich
city destinations around the world, where the term ‘‘overtourism’’ is increasingly heard.
Research limitations/implications – This study has implications for the integrated and more holistic
management of tourist destinations.
Practical implications – This is a perspective paper, so it does not offer individual practical implications
for destinations. Moreover, it offers a concise and precise summary of core studies in the field and
provides a platform for a more future-looking critical debate on the sustainable management of tourist
destinations.
Social implications – Looking ahead, destinations need to be considered as part of a wider system, one
that is inclusive of urban planning, economic inequality, transportation and housing, and ‘‘smart’’
initiatives among others. Most importantly, the views of tourist and resident communities need to be
considered and incorporated into future planning at the destination level with wellbeing and quality of life
indicators being used to identify the real benefits of tourism to both communities.
Originality/value – Integrated and holistic forms of destination management is the way forward, with the
exponential growth of technology, as well as the need to manage the exchange of knowledge and data at
the destination level, critical to the sustainability of the competitive destination long into the future.
- Tahun Terbit
- 2020
- Ukuran File
- 96.369 KB
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- PDF
- Tanggal Penerimaan
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28 Nov 2022
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- 5 halaman