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Defining Destinations, destination stakeholders

Defining Destinations

  • Authors: Annika Konttinen, Rilla Engblom

  • Date: 3.2.2025

  • Topic: Sustainable Development of Tourism Destinations

  • Affiliation: Haaga-Helia

What is a Destination?

  • Traveler's Perspective:

    • A place where travelers temporarily visit for new life experiences (Wang 2011).

    • Main destination is defined as the central place of a tourism trip (UNWTO); examples include spa, golf, ski, pilgrimage places, culture, and nature destinations.

  • Business Perspective:

    • A tourist destination is a defined geographical area (Kotler, Bowen & Makens 2006).

  • Geographical Perspective:

    • Definitions vary based on different viewpoints, highlighting the complexity and multifaceted nature of destinations.

Destination Attractions

  • Components:

    • Attractions: What draws travelers to the destination.

    • Amenities: Facilities that provide services to tourists.

    • Access: Transport links to the destination.

    • Ancillary Services: Additional services that enhance the tourist experience.

  • Market Perspective: (Cooper et al 2016)

Push and Pull Factors in Tourism

  • Concept:

    • Understanding motivations behind destination choices.

  • Geographical Components:

    • Tourist-generating Areas (Demand) and Tourist-receiving Areas (Supply)

    • Push Factors vs Pull Factors (Leiper 1979): Examines why tourists leave (push) and why they choose a destination (pull).

Push Factors (Demand)

  • Influences driving demand for travel include:

    • Economic development in generating areas.

    • Personal and national income growth.

    • More leisure time due to demographic changes.

    • Unfavorable home climates.

    • Deregulation, leading to increased mobility and travel options (e.g., Low-Cost Carriers).

    • Improved infrastructure and access.

    • Broadened horizons through education leading to a desire to travel.

    • Political influences such as relaxed border controls.

    • Globalization and urbanization trends.

    • Advances in technology and digitalization.

  • Sources: Boniface, Cooper & Cooper 2016; Skift; UNWTO

Brainstorming Destination Push Factors

  • Encourage individual reflections on personal holiday motivations, followed by group discussion on:

    • Relaxation and recharging

    • Escaping routines and academic pressure

    • Discovering new experiences

    • Socializing and creating memories

    • Immersion in new cultures

Pull Factors (Supply)

  • Factors that attract tourists:

    • Accessibility: Ease of travel to destinations.

    • Attractions: Unique features, diverse nature, climate, and culture.

    • Amenities: Quality of services (accommodation, restaurants).

    • Favorable exchange rates and pricing levels.

    • Marketing effectiveness and promotional strategies.

    • Political climate regarding travel (visa ease).

    • Health, safety, and social stability in the destination.

    • Sustainable development trends.

  • Sources: Boniface, Cooper & Cooper 2016; UNWTO

Brainstorming Destination Pull Factors

  • Discuss potential pull factors for Finland, such as:

    • Nature features (e.g., Northern Lights)

    • Cultural elements (architecture, Finnish sauna)

    • Safety and sustainability initiatives

    • Winter activities and landscapes (e.g., Lapland)

Destination Development

  • Key Focus for Sustainable Development in Tourism.

Competitiveness of a Tourism Destination

  • Defined by the efficient use of natural, cultural, human, and capital resources to create quality tourism products that align with strategic goals for sustainable growth.

  • Source: UNWTO

TTDI Framework

  • Designed to examine strengths and weaknesses of tourism sectors, guiding sustainable growth strategies.

Destination Lifecycle Model

  • Butler’s Lifecycle Model:

    • Prominent method of analyzing destination development since the 1980s.

    • Examples from locations such as Barcelona and Bali.

Travel Destination Stakeholders

  • Defined as individuals or groups involved in the development and management of travel destinations.

Key Stakeholders of a Destination

  1. Government Agencies: Set policies, funding, tourism regulations.

  2. Destination Management Organizations (DMOs): Promote destinations, facilitate partnerships, and support local economies.

  3. Tourism Businesses: Visible stakeholders providing services and experiences (hotels, restaurants).

  4. Local Communities: Vital stakeholders enriching tourism experiences with culture, facing both positive and negative impacts.

  5. Environmental and Cultural Organizations: Advocate for conservation and sustainable practices.

  6. Educational Institutions: Research and train future tourism professionals.

  7. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Promote responsible tourism practices and community development.

  8. Tourists: Influence travel trends and contribute to local economies.

Destination Management & DMOs

  • DMOs as coalitions of diverse organizations working towards shared tourism goals and promoting sustainable competitiveness.

Role of DMOs in Destination Development

  • Involvement in various aspects:

    • Marketing and promotion

    • Communication strategies and sustainability efforts

    • Crisis management

    • Infrastructure and visitor services development

Class Activity

  • Analyze a DMO webpage considering stakeholder perspectives. Consider outreach, local community involvement, and target audience reflection in the content.

Sources

  • Comprehensive subject matter references include key publications and UNWTO resources.

Conclusion

  • Acknowledgment for participation and date of next session at Haaga-Helia.