Strategic Management for Tourism and Events

Strategic Management for Tourism and Events

Introduction

According to Robert Anthony, “Strategic Planning is the process of deciding on the objectives of the organization, on changes in these objectives, on the resources used to attain these objectives, and on the policies that are to govern the acquisition, use , and disposition of these resources” (Anthony, 1965). It plays an important role in facilitating the management of an overall process by using the resources in an effective manner. A clear understanding of the external factors affecting the development of organization must be developed for successful strategic planning. a basic strategic planning process takes into account and answers questions like who are we, what is our capacity, what problems do we have, how and what difference can we make, what are the critical issues that needs attention and finally the resource allocation process in the light of priorities (Shapiro, 1996).

Discussion

Role of Strategic planning

Strategic planning is of utmost importance when analyzing the existing strategic framework of organization in relation to its objective or when a new project or organization has to be undertaken. Coccossis suggests that tourism has both negative and positive impacts on the hosting country by either revitalizing or destroying the economy, therefore careful planning has to be done (Coccossis, 1996). Simpson and Ritchie has also emphasized upon the importance of strategic approach for tourism planning to avoid negative effects on the economy (Simpson, 2001; Ritchie & Crouch, 2000) It can play an important role in successful development of tourism as Murphy states “is concerned with anticipating and regulating change in a system, to promote orderly development so as to increase the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the development process. To do this, planning becomes “an ordered sequence of operations, designed to lead to the achievement of either a single goal or to a balance between several goals (Murphy, 1985).” While Ducker calls it a continuous process of making entrepreneurial decisions (Ducker, 1974). Strategic management and approach toward planning of events and tourism helps in realization of the objective in a larger picture. In situations when the external environment is changing rapidly strategic planning helps the tourist destination that hold mega events like games and fairs for the purpose of attracting tourists and business. Hall also emphasizes upon the importance of planning process in the holding of events and suggests that it is not only important for the short terms success of the mega events of tourism but it also has a long term positive effect on the community where it takes place (Hall, 1989). The hosting country of the mega event gets highlighted and attract tourist which is not only good for the image of the hosting country but also profitable for the business of tourism.

Strategic Management Approaches to Sheffield Student Games

Sheffield World student games that took place in the year 1991 one is another great example of such mega event which was done with similar objectives of attracting tourists and earning fortune for ...