Design of tourism governance networks

Abstract

This chapter explores the approach of networks in tourist destination governance. With a focus on tourist destination policy, the chapter discusses lessons learned from the literature with regard to collaborative stakeholder networks. In considering more proactive, integrated and collaborative approaches to destination governance,particularly at the local and regional levels, this chapter discusses the 'new regionalism' approach. This is done in the context of sustainable tourist destination development and its increasingly more balanced focus not just on economic interests and objectives but with the involvement of social and environmental objectives as well. Acknowledging the movement toward tourist destination development increasingly becoming more and more a major aspect of policy and strategic planning frameworks for regional areas, the authors discuss the ways in which diverse stakeholder networks can achieve destination effectiveness in governance. As part of the chapter, and in order to frame its discussion, the authors elaborate on a concept of governance that relates to the rules of collective decision making, where there may be little or no formal control system and where the major political activity is more about bringing divergent views and interests together through effective, collaborative, self-organizing and consensus-building mechanisms. The concept of networks is advocated in the chapter as an increasingly effective approach to tourist destination governance. Destinations and their governance require a highly flexible and adaptable approach where effective and dynamic community networks are virtually essential to their future success.