How Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) Support Democracy and Governance

Written by Shannon McCarthy on August 15, 2024. Posted in Blog.

Transforming Tourism Management: The Stewardship Role of Destination Management Organizations

The role of destination management organizations (DMOs) in the tourism industry goes well beyond traditional destination marketing and tourism experience management. New studies indicate a shift in managing destinations. Instead of focusing solely on revenue, there is now a greater emphasis on implementing sustainable tourism practices in destinations.

This approach, often referred to as destination stewardship, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the cultural, environmental, and economic integrity of tourist destinations. It requires a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including the public-private sector and civil society. Full collaboration among these sectors is essential for destination management organizations to successfully implement sustainable tourism practices. Effective collaboration means listening to everyone’s opinions and making decisions based on democratic governance values like transparency, accountability, participation, and equity.

Following these principles can make DMOs’ destinations more sustainable. They can also improve residents’ lives by boosting the economy, promoting community involvement, and protecting cultural heritage. An effective DMO backed by a community can be a powerful force for good.

A community coming together to plant trees in a park, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability in urban greening projects. — *Adobe Stock by Plaifah*

The Destination Management Organization Model: A Microcosm of Democratic Governance

Democratic systems cultivate stability and economic prosperity within their jurisdictions. The governance structure of destination management organizations serves as a microcosm of democratic entities by incorporating fundamental democratic values into their governing framework. Like larger democratic institutions, DMOs can have a strong foundation of governance that determines their operational framework. Here are key democratic aspects present in both governing democracies and DMOs:

Popular Sovereignty: DMOs can sustain themselves through regular elections and the consent of their members. DMO stakeholders determine the cross-sector individuals who will fill their leadership roles and board of directors.
Governing Documents: DMO stakeholders across all sectors contribute to creating essential documents such as Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Board policies. These documents establish a clear organizational structure, promote transparency through defined procedures, and ensure accountability with regular audits and evaluations.
Accountability and Transparency: DMOs make their governing documents and regular reports on key performance indicators, financial performance, and sustainable tourism strategies publicly available. This ensures that their effectiveness and operations are transparent to stakeholders and the community, typically through their website.
Pluralism and Collaboration: DMOs foster public-private dialogue by serving as platforms where the public and private sectors can engage in effective communication and collaboratively make decisions on policy development, sustainability initiatives, and community building. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining sustainable travel destinations and emphasizes the democratic principles of diversity and inclusivity.
Equity and Reciprocity: DMOs strive to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed equitably and reinvested into the community. They achieve this by investing in capacity building, creating job opportunities, and supporting cultural and environmental conservation efforts. This approach enhances local development, highlighting the widespread impact of the tourism industry on every individual living within the destination.

Who Exactly Are the Stakeholders in Destination Management Organizations?

The term “stakeholders” can sometimes feel all-encompassing or even ambiguous. However, in the context of DMO governance, it is crucial to clearly define and involve key groups. Effective tourism management requires collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring that a wide array of interests and perspectives are represented in decision-making processes. In DMO governance, it is essential to have a balanced representation from the public sector, private sector, local residents, and non-governmental organizations.

The image shows four wooden game pieces standing in a row, each a different shade of brown, ranging from dark to light. The pieces are arranged in a gradient, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. The background is blurred, drawing focus to the game pieces and their subtle differences in color and texture. — Photo by Pixabay

Public Sector: Political decision-makers at municipal, regional, and national levels who set policies and regulations for a myriad of industries, including tourism and hospitality.
Private Sector: The tourism and hospitality industry directly impacts commercial tourism industry stakeholders, such as businesses and service providers.
Local Community: Local residents and citizens, who are essential in providing authentic cultural experiences and ensuring that tourism benefits are equitably distributed.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Special Interest Groups: These organizations often focus on specific issues, such as environmental conservation, cultural heritage preservation, or social equity.

Studies focusing on community-led tourism highlight the importance of including all stakeholders in decision-making. This approach ensures that tourism’s benefits are shared fairly across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. When local communities are actively involved, it grants local residents more agency. This has the potential to improve their quality of life and preserve cultural heritage. There is a greater consensus on sustainable destination management strategies.

Examples of Democracy and Governance in Destination Management Organizations

A landscape picture of the Maldives with white sand beaches and turquoise water and palm trees in the distance. — *Goidhoo Atoll, Photo by Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Alliance*

Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Alliance (HATA): Maldives

The Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Alliance (HATA) is the first community-led destination management organization in the Maldives. It represents stakeholders from the small islands of Goidhoo, Fulhadhoo, and Fehendhoo. With 89 members, HATA has grown significantly from its humble beginnings.

The Origin of Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Alliance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Maldivian government allowed foreign-owned resorts to accept tourists, it indefinitely delayed the reopening of local guesthouses. In response, tourism entrepreneurs in Horsburgh Atoll organized to advocate for their community’s interests, successfully lobbying for their right to reopen.

Building on this victory, the founding members of HATA set their sights on developing a tourism model that prioritizes community resilience and promotes environmental stewardship. They began collaborating on managing and marketing the destination, establishing HATA as the first community-led Destination Management Organization in the Maldives. In January 2023, Solimar International through the USAID Climate Adaptation Project, and began supporting this initiative, aiming to strengthen destination resilience in the face of climate adaptation challenges.

Democratic Governance and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

HATA recently completed its elections and established its governing documents, establishing itself as a democratic entity. Now, it is preparing for its formal launch in September 2024. Island Council members and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) members represent the public sector, while the private sector includes business owners such as accommodation providers, restaurant owners, and tour operators. Community members form the majority of HATA’s membership.

Collaborating with international development organizations, HATA has developed a Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Plan. This plan is available to the public and outlines strategies to ensure that tourism in the atoll contributes positively to both the conservation of natural resources and the well-being of its inhabitants. Key initiatives include:

Environmental Conservation

Restoring mangroves and seagrass beds.
Setting guidelines to prevent harmful activities like fish feeding and improper anchoring.
Conduct regular restoration efforts like beach clean-ups and planting native vegetation

Community Building

Training for tour guides, park rangers, activity providers, and artisans.
Promote local products and services to boost community revenues.
Hold community engagement sessions to gather feedback on tourism initiatives.

Cultural Conservation

Create museum spaces to showcase local heritage.
Organize bi-annual cultural events to celebrate tradition.
Support the establishment of cultural areas that preserve the Atoll’s heritage.

The Horsburgh Atoll Tourism Alliance (HATA) is a pioneering, community-led organization in the Maldives that exemplifies the strength of democratic governance in tourism management. As they prepare for their formal launch in September 2024, HATA is planning a comprehensive full-day event spanning the islands of Goidhoo, Fulhadhoo, and Fehendhoo. This event aims to raise awareness and inspire both tourists and residents by showcasing how democratic governance and inclusive decision-making can lead to equitable and positive outcomes for the entire community.

2. Ataúro Island Tourism Association (ATKOMA): Timor-Leste

Like HATA, the Asosiasaun Turismu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro (ATKOMA) is a community-led destination management organization representing stakeholders from Ataúro Island in Timor-Leste. Formed through support from various partners, including local NGOs and Solimar International through the USAID Tourism for All Project, ATKOMA aims to promote sustainable tourism to enhance the local economy and preserve the island’s natural and cultural heritage.

Origins of Asosiasaun Turismu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro

In 2016, ATKOMA revitalized the existing tourism association on Ataúro Island, Grupo Turizmu Ataúro (GTA). Stakeholders aimed to ensure that the destination management organization’s governance was inclusive and that the local community experienced the economic benefits of tourism. In 2019, ATKOMA partnered with USAID and Solimar International to develop the Sustainable Management Plan for Ataúro Island.

While the local government established several strategies to address areas such as tourism, infrastructure, and economic development, the SMP unified these efforts under a single framework. This framework prioritized environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation to promote sustainable destination development that benefited the entire community.

Traditional boat with Beautiful nature of blue sea sand and Turquoise color water waves at Atauro Island, Timor Leste — Adobe Stock by faizzaki

Democratic Governance of Asosiasaun Turismu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro

Following an in-depth situation analysis, conversations with the public, private, and local communities of Ataúro Island yielded a unified vision: “Ataúro’s biodiversity and natural environment are protected, essential ecosystems are secured for people and nature, and livelihoods are sustainable and support the preservation of social and cultural heritage.”

Stakeholders in ATKOMA consist of community members and enterprises who collaborate with local island councils and other government entities at the municipal and national levels. Since the conception of Ataúro Island’s public-private sector DMO, ATKOMA, the island’s tourism industry has been revitalized. Through democratic governance and public-private sector collaboration, ATKOMA accomplished the following:

Exotic hills and beaches of Fatucama promontory in Dili, Timor Leste — Adobe Stock by DODO HAWE

Collaborated with scientific research organizations and government entities to designate 13 Marine Protected Areas by revitalizing the cultural practice of tara bandu. Activities in these protected areas are regulated by both the local government and a community co-management committee.
After several meetings with the national government, ATKOMA represented the whole community and successfully prevented a casino from being built on the island. The casino would have harmed the integrity of Ataúro Island, known for its small eco accommodations and rich biodiversity.
Partnered with MAF Timor-Leste to launch the first air shuttle service to Ataúro Island, increasing economic revenue for tourism businesses and tourism-adjacent businesses.
Recognized by Green Destinations as one of the Top 100 Stories competition, an annual competition that celebrates and promotes sustainable tourism initiatives from destinations globally.

Future of Tourism in Asosiasaun Turismu Koleku Mahanak Ataúro

The Ataúro Island Tourism Association (ATKOMA) exemplifies the transformative power of democratic governance in destination management organizations. Their next goal is to transition from a Whale Heritage Area candidate to a designated site. Assisted by the World Cetacean Alliance, Ataúro Island is establishing practices that meet the sustainability-focused criteria for this designation.

3. Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society (GSETS): Bangladesh

The Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society (GSETS) is Bangladesh’s first destination management organization. With the assistance of Solimar International through the USAID Ecotourism Activity, diverse stakeholders formed GSETS to promote sustainable tourism in the world’s single largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Site. GSETS’ vision is to raise awareness and harness Bangladesh’s natural, cultural, and historical assets to develop an inclusive tourism sector that engages local communities and maximizes conservation benefits.

The Origin of Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society

The region around the Sundarbans Reserved Forest is home to millions of Bangladeshis who rely on mangrove resources for their livelihoods. However, poaching, trafficking, deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, oil spills, and unsustainable resource extraction threaten its biodiversity. Climate change and unregulated tourism further endanger the Sundarbans. When locals do not see tourism improving their lives, they feel less ownership. GSETS unites the private sector, government sector, NGOs, and protected area authorities to collaborate on protecting and maintaining this vulnerable region while providing locals with alternative livelihood opportunities.

Democratic Governance of Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society

A Board of Directors was selected from various stakeholder groups, forming the democratic governance of Bangladesh’s first destination management organization. Mirroring the structure of HATA and ATKOMA, GSETS’ governance ensures an array of stakeholders have a voice in decision-making.

The Bangladesh Ecotourism and Conservation Alliance, which includes Solimar International, government ministries, associations, nonprofits, and private enterprises, supported the establishment of GSETS under the USAID Ecotourism Activity. This alliance provides digital marketing technical assistance, staff and member training, and helps secure membership dues and other revenue streams for sustainability.

The Bangladesh Forest Department under the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change manages the Sundarbans Reserved Forest. GSETS members hope to collaborate with these government entities to build a responsible tourism industry and use funds to maintain the mangroves and surrounding regions. Under the USAID Ecotourism Activity, a Sundarbans Ecotourism Master Plan is being developed for the Bangladesh Forest Department which implements policies around capacity building of concerned public and private stakeholders, public and private partnerships, collaborative activities, and conservation awareness campaigns.

Objectives of Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society

S.A.V.E. Destination: Transform the Sundarbans into a center for scientific, academic, volunteer, and educational activities, attracting students, teachers, scientists, and researchers for longer stays.
Community Benefits: Improve environmental, economic, and basic human services (livelihoods, water, sanitation, education, and health) through better-managed and inclusive tourism.
Governance and Management: Improve tourism governance and natural resource management for Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) by partnering with the national government. Use tourism funds to enhance protected areas, maintain the Sundarbans, and manage local resources.
Collaboration Platform: Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to develop the region and leverage tourism’s economic benefits to improve conditions in the Sundarbans and surrounding communities.

The Future of Greater Sundarbans Ecotourism Society

Bengal tiger sitting on a log — *Unsplash by Frida Lannerström*

At the time this article was written, Bangladesh was in a state of unrest and turmoil. Clashes over a decision to allocate a large quota of government jobs to a specific group of ruling party supporters resulted in hundreds of casualties. Amid ongoing protests, curfews, and internet shutdowns, protesters continued to demand justice for those harmed.

The most recent update from Bangladesh confirms that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. The student protesters’ nominee, Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has been named the interim leader (Chief Advisor) until the next National Parliament election.
This highlights a pervasive obstacle for those working in the international sector. It exposes the detriments of a corrupt governance system, resulting in injustice against the very citizens it is meant to serve.

Despite the political instability, GSETS leadership remains confident that their mission for a sustainable community and destination will prevail. As Bangladesh’s pioneering destination management organization, they are well-acquainted with overcoming challenges and are committed to continuing their trailblazing work in the tourism industry with unwavering resilience.

Using the Destination Management Organization Model for Tourism Development

The DMO model shares many key attributes with democratic governance. Public access to governing bodies, as well as access to various documents and reporting, promotes accountability and transparency as well as learning from each other, which builds trust. By providing a platform for a variety of voices, the destination management organization model ensures inclusive decision-making. Public-private partnerships highlight its collaborative nature. Whether through capacity-building programs or managing protected areas, the DMO model relies on democratic governance to function efficiently and establish longevity.

At Solimar, we help tourist destinations establish successful destination management organizations (DMOs) because we have seen many success stories from implementing the democratic governance of the DMO model. Destination management organizations not only enhance the sustainability of tourism but also contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of the community. By embracing democratic values, DMOs ensure that tourism development is balanced and aligns with broader goals of community enrichment and environmental stewardship.

Curious about how you can enhance tourism development and community well-being? The DMO model supports democracy and governance by fostering accountability, transparency, and collaboration. Whether you’re a professional, a traveler, or a potential partner, get in touch with Solimar to find out how we can collaborate for positive change.

Pink cadillac car with tourists drives past colonial homes in Old Havana

Role of Tourism Consultants: Secret to Destination Success

Written by Shannon McCarthy on August 3, 2023. Posted in Tourism Development Consulting, Uncategorized.

The Secret Behind Thriving Travel Destinations

At the heart of every successful tourist destination, the essential role of tourism consultants operates like a well-kept secret. Their work is multifaceted and dynamic, shifting from one project to the next, each day offering a unique set of challenges. However, the proficiency they bring to international development, tourism, and marketing industries is irrefutable. As they utilize their broad knowledge and expertise, these tourism consultants carve a path toward prosperity for their clients, showcasing the undeniable importance of their role in shaping and promoting sustainable travel destinations.

A picturesque landscape of the Namib Desert. — Photo by Arne Smith on Unsplash

Picture this:

You are scrolling through social media and stumble upon a sponsored advertisement. It features a travel blogger playfully navigating through the vibrant, bustling streets of Istanbul or on an uplifting journey in a hot air balloon, ascending above the vast expanse of Namibia’s ancient sand dunes. Soon, you see signs of these leading destinations wherever you look. Your best friend’s parents just returned from their two-week trip to said country, or Netflix uploaded new content that contains historical, cultural, and travel insights into the up-and-coming tourist destination.

Curiosity motivates you to research the travel destination where you discover unique accommodations, adventurous tours with local guides, and local restaurants which serve authentic, mouthwatering cuisine. All of a sudden, you find yourself at the airport convenience store stocking up on snacks and magazines before hustling towards the gate to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You may wonder how you and millions of other tourists became inspired to visit the same tourist destination. Why did this happen? Who made this happen?

The secret behind successful travel destinations is complex and cannot be attributed to one aspect. Leading destinations require months of research, strategic marketing, leadership collaboration, and community involvement. Large marketing budgets certainly play a role into their visibility, but in order to efficiently organize complex aspects of development and marketing tailored to the current situation of a destination, travel destinations may require the expert knowledge of sustainable tourism consultants who advise their clients on how to set themselves up for long-term success and sustainability.

What is the Role of Tourism Consultants?

Sustainable tourism consultants are creative professionals with expert knowledge in the tourism industry and destination management. Their clients include destination management organizations (DMOs), airline and hospitality entities, local and national governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), stakeholders, and tourism boards and businesses. By leveraging their expertise, consultants set the long-term vision and assist clients every step of the way. Ultimately, sustainable tourism consultants act as catalysts for growth, assisting in the development and implementation of effective tourism strategies.

1. How to Research and Assess a Tourist Destination

The crucial first step tourism consulting firms will take is conducting thorough destination market research. This includes gathering information from local stakeholders to understand the client’s assets, growth opportunities, key demographics, and how the client can extend beyond their vision. At Solimar, our consultants present clients with a summary of our findings and insightful recommendations for further expansion based on our data-driven market research.

For example, sustainable tourism consultants play a crucial role in destination assessments to understand what inspires tourists from different demographics. By delving into a destination’s historical, cultural, and geographical stories, these experts can identify activities and experiences that appeal to a diverse range of travelers. By promoting sustainable practices, these destination assessments contribute to the preservation of a tourist destination’s unique charm and ensure that tourism benefits everyone involved.

A scuba diver explores ocean ecosystems off the coast of Saudi Arabia — *Photo by NEOM on Unsplash*

2. How to Brand a Tourist Destination

Within the tourism industry, all leading destinations have a captivating narrative that appeals to a variety of tourist demographics. It is the sustainable tourism consultant’s role to effectively share the destination’s story across multiple marketing platforms.

Destination marketing, or destination branding, is an essential ingredient in a travel destination’s success because it creates destination awareness, illuminates the destination’s attractive qualities, and utilizes market segmentation methods that tailor the branding approach to the tourist demographics, which will yield the best results.

Consider a destination that seeks to brand a specific stretch of its coastline as the ultimate hub for adventure watersports. To achieve this, the destination will emphasize and promote local businesses offering scuba diving and deep-sea fishing experiences, enticing thrill-seeking travelers in search of adrenaline-inducing activities.

The process of branding tourism destinations entails gathering essential details from these local businesses. Sustainable tourism consultants delve into their origin stories, unique selling points, and desired promotional approaches. Next, the consultants will design and implement branding essentials, such as captivating logos, memorable slogans, and a compelling online presence. Through a consistent brand story displayed across various platforms, they effectively communicate the area’s allure for adventure watersports, drawing in an audience of adventure enthusiasts eager to explore the exhilarating opportunities available.

3. How to Create Memorable Experiences for Tourists

All premier tourist destinations curate a variety of experiences. For instance, Mexico is the 7th most popular tourist destination globally. For international travelers planning on visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, they may begin researching the destination months prior. Let’s say the tourist is a history buff; they can easily look into local guides who offer expertly designed trips to archeological sites such as Chichén Itzá.

A local tour guide takes a group of travelers through Chichen Itza — *Photo by Kentaro Toma on Unsplash*

So, how do tourist destinations decide which products and experiences they will offer potential travelers? With the guidance of sustainable tourism consultants, top tourist destinations will partner with local businesses to identify and market experiences that appeal to a variety of tourist demographics. This entails working one-on-one with tourism businesses to design unique offerings, decide prices for their products and experiences, and forecast potential profit margins.

For sustainable travel consultants, every detail is significant. At Solimar, clients can anticipate a comprehensive business and product development plan encompassing evaluations of supply and demand, a sustainable business strategy to ensure recurring revenue, and a thorough training program for business owners, managers, and employees. Moreover, collaborative marketing strategies are expertly crafted to empower local tourism businesses to surpass their goals.

A group of indigenous women from the Kavango region perform traditional styled dance — *Photo by Datingscout on Unsplash*

4. How to Understand the Benefits of Sustainable Tourism

A recent study conducted by Expedia Group Media Solutions revealed a growing inclination among international travelers to pursue eco-friendly and sustainable travel experiences. With the increasing detriments caused by climate change and over-tourism, sustainable tourism consultants aim to inform destinations of how they can reduce the negative impact of tourism while increasing its benefits.

Promotes environmental conservation: Responsible tourism methods promote the preservation and protection of natural resources and biodiversity. For example, eco-friendly accommodations will commit to sustainable operations such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption, and implementing recycling and waste management systems.
Empowers the community: Sustainable tourism practices benefit the local community by creating employment opportunities, funding education systems and infrastructure initiatives, and increasing the understanding of cultural diversity and equity. Additionally, it empowers the local community by encouraging the involvement of the residents in decision-making processes and community-based tourism enterprises.
Preserves cultural heritage: Sustainability is about celebrating the cultural backgrounds of the local people and maintaining their authenticity. For instance, a sustainable tourist destination will promote authentic cultural experiences such as homestay accommodations, traditional craft demonstrations, and traditional performances which benefit those of that heritage.

If you’re wondering how to be a responsible tourist who supports sustainable tourism practices, you can opt for environmentally friendly transportation options, support the community by buying local products and tour experiences, book green and locally owned accommodations, and travel to lesser-known destinations.

A women is bent down in a crop field participating in agritourism. — *Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash*

Final Thoughts: The Role of Sustainable Tourism Consultants

Next time you come across a travel blogger’s captivating TikTok content featuring pristine beaches, picturesque villages, or impressive historical architecture, remember that a team of sustainable tourism consultants worked diligently with these destinations for months, if not years, prior to making it all possible. Creating a thriving tourist destination requires attention to every detail. Tourism consultants play a crucial role in identifying the client’s unique voice and offerings that distinguish them from competitors. They establish a consistent media presence, instill successful business operations, and emphasize the significance of sustainable travel practices throughout the journey.

A wooden sign in the shape of a foot sits on the beach and represents the role of tourism consultants by stating, "only leave your footprints." — *Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash*

At Solimar International, sustainability is at the core of our approach. We firmly believe that successful tourist destinations are built upon a foundation of environmental and cultural preservation. In a world where travel has become increasingly accessible and impactful, our team of tourism experts provides invaluable expertise and guidance to help our clients thrive. To learn more about our tourism consulting services, visit website!

WE DEVELOP, MANAGE, AND MARKET SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DESTINATIONS

Author: Shannon McCarthy