Destination Management

Stimulating Economic Growth through Cooperation

Destination management is the coordinated management of all the elements that make up a destination (attractions, amenities, access, marketing and pricing). Solimar helps destinations take a strategic approach to link-up these sometimes very separate entities through the creation of destination management organizations (DMOs).  Destination management organizations help avoid duplication of effort with regards to promotion, visitor services, training, business support and identify any management gaps that are not being addressed.  When implemented along with a revenue-generating business model, DMOs also have tremendous potential to generate funds in support of marketing and conservation initiatives.  

Creating Sustainable Destinations

The very word, "sustainability", implies a solution that the destination will carry forward after the consultants have gone home. One of the biggest challenges for people working in tourism development is providing for project activities that continue after the development funding has been exhausted. Solimar believes that the best way to create long-term solutions for a destination is to use a business model with features to ensure the continued management of economic growth and natural resource use while generating revenues.

Solimar's proven business model for tourism DMOs provide consulting services to tourism suppliers while simultaneously providing commission based in-bound travel logistics. This combination of services helps improve the destination's products while simultaneously raising awareness with travelers of the destination and its offerings.

The following is a list of products and services the cluster business model offers:

 Services to Tourism Suppliers
 In-Bound Travel Services 
  •  Business development
  •  Marketing services
  •  Accommodations development
  •  Guide training
  •  Activities training
  •  Trail management and development
  •  Food safety/quality
  •  Artisan and handicrafts development
  •  Wholesale purchasing
  •  Access to financing
  •  Tourist health and safety training
  • Product development (packaging)
  • Customized travel planning
  • Information center
  • E-Payment collection & distribution
  • Website Maintenance
  • Special Event Organization & Promotion
  • Transportation logistics
  • Guiding services
  • Voluntourism Coordinator
  • Business linkages with international operators 

Destination Visitor Centers

Destination Visitor Centers have a relaxed atmosphere, providing information and services to the traveler including internet access, travel information, activity and tour reservations, food and beverage, and entertainment. The centers are located in popular tourism destinations to provide a one-stop, physical location from which travelers can connect to all businesses participating in the cluster. More importantly, the visitor centers also provides participating businesses with seminars and training services. As such, the center is the latest concept in supporting the growth and success of sustainable, responsible tourism.

A Destination Visitor Center is a single facility from which to:

  • Provide business and management advice and training to tourism businesses;
  • Provide information and reservations services to travelers; and
  • Capture and analyze important traveler information and statistics.
At the crux of the Destination Visitor Center concept is its dual mission. Visitor centers seek not only to provide information and reservation services to travelers, but also to strengthen participating local tourism businesses for long- range success.   Since the centers provide services to both travelers and suppliers the center becomes self-sustainable without the need of long term financial assistance.