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.