Class Strategic Management of Tourist Destinations

Destination management is an increasingly important issue as the success of destination management depends on the ability to deliver high-quality visitor experiences and manage the impacts of tourism on local communities. To compete effectively, destinations need to provide good experiences and maximize the value of those experiences for visitors. Now, the construction of this experience is affected by the way attractions, amenities, accessibility, and image, among others, and the relationship that is established between them, always within the constructive assumptions of sustainability. In order to respond to these dynamics, the DMOs were created, which take the lead in the destination development strategy. This course aims through several points of analysis to understand how these processes intertwine and how they develop strategies within the competitiveness of tourist destinations.

1.Tourist destinations

1.1 Definition: different perspectives

1.2 Basic elements of a tourist destination

1.3 The life cycle of tourism products and destination management

2. The importance of the Destination Management Organizations

2.1 Genesis and evolution, functions and structure

2.2 The diversity of destination management organizations

2.2.1 The Regional Tourism Entities and Promotional Agencies

2.2.2. the importance of Convention & Visitors Bureaus

2.2.3. the relevance of the Regional Tourism Observatories in supporting management

2.2.4. The relevance of Regional Tourism Thinking Thanks

3. Principles and practices of strategic management of tourist destinations

3.1 Inventory of resources and evaluation of the competitiveness of a destination

3.2 The development of tourism products: the strategic definition

3.3. Competitive differentiation strategies: the relevance of experiences

3.4. Competitive positioning and management of tourist destinations

During the course of the theoretical classes, students will have the possibility to contact with the real world, through the
contact with specialists working in DMOs, both international and national.
both international and national, in order to develop creative skills and the ability to solve progressively more complex problems.
ability to solve progressively more complex problems. Thus, there will be
several thematic seminars and study visits.
The Inverted Classroom methodology will also be applied through group work to solve problems, case studies and learning.
problem-solving, case studies and peer learning.

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Harrill, R. (2013). Fundamentals of destination management and marketing. Pennsylvania: A.H.&L.E.I.
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