ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the destination management organizations (DMO) jointly planning for the overall future of the destination along with all the other tourism stakeholders. It discusses the planning for the destination, and planning for the DMO. The chapter provides many useful tips and suggestions for a DMO’s efforts at tourism planning. It focuses on the broader type of tourism planning for a destination, and presents comprehensive coverage of all the major issues and touching upon every role of destination management. The chapter suggests that tourism planning for destinations is maturing and there remain many destinations around the world that are without long-term tourism plans. It also describes the history and influences on tourism planning for destinations. The chapter explains the benefits that come from doing long-term tourism planning. It focuses on the different geographic levels for destination tourism planning. The chapter aims to differentiate between strategic planning and visioning. It also provides a step-by-step explanation of destination visioning.