Destination Management

Destination Management

Introduction

Overview of Destination Management

Destination management has a key role in addressing complex and radical issues and conflicts that arise in contemporary tourism. The challenges are in regard to develop a range of needs of tourist and tourism related business. The development, marketing and management activities of destinations are very much in line with the development of globalisation. Various sources have indicated that destination management has a potential to keep growing. However, the destination management and marketing is a complex issue which requires comprehensive and systemic learning approaches (Seaton & Bennette, 2004, p. n.d).

Destination management is a recent phenomenon. No single individual or entity has complete control over the destination product, except few cases such as Disney Land. The planning management and implementation of destination products are interrelated and involve different organizational coordination and negotiations. The changing nature of tourist and emerging role of destination marketing has become essential. The demands of travellers vary, and a lot of choices are available as destinations. The factors such as population growth, economic conditions, global expansions, vacation patterns and socialisation have affected the destination management in a positive way (Reid & Bojanic, 2010, pp. n.d.).

Destinations which are managed will generate more visitor growth for the economy. The benefits of this growth lies in the long term, it will create additional income and jobs. The right destination management provides the platform for attracting new investments, stimulating innovation and a great place to live and work. The famous destinations make most of their appeal to provide benefits to the whole community rather than any single entity. The strategic sense of their place attractiveness and investment needs to sustain and enhance that appeal. They have destination development and management plan, and mechanism in place to deliver the best experience for visitors.

Analysis

Framework for the analysis of destinations

The destination management component of the model focuses on those activities which implement the planning framework for the establishment of destination analysis. The framework for destination analysis includes the attractions, hospitality, transportation, distribution channels and promotion, destination marketing organisations, infrastructure, facilities, environment and government structure (Ritchie & Crouch, 2003, pp.73).

Attractions encourage visitors to the region. Attractions can be natural, manmade or festive events. Destination attractions allow the world to see what a particular country has to offer to their visitors (McCool and Moisey, 2001, p. n.d.). It promotes the country and contributes in economic development. Some destinations remain attached to their one or two famous places, whereas some develop different attractions to retain the visitors for a longer time and revisits. Mountains, glaciers, waterfall, lakes, deserts, villages and greenery are regard as scenery in which visitors are interested.

The market segmentation plays a vital role in determining the importance of attractions to individuals and groups. The geographical characteristics like where the visitors live or come from are important so that the attractions are developed according to their likes and interest. The demographical factors such as age, gender, race and income are essential as it will affect the interest in ...