ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses principles of destination product development including sustainable tourism. It explains the Tourism Area Life Cycle model and how it impacts destination product development. The chapter focuses on product development strategy models and how they are applied to destination product development. It identifies the physical products in a destination and also explains how potential development projects. The chapter examines the importance and dimensions of destination quality. It describes the roles and benefits of packaging and what the destination management organizations (DMO) can do to encourage greater packaging. The chapter also describes the roles of interpretation for a destination. It explores the continuum of DMO involvement in product development. The new product development process is a fourth model that can be applied to destinations. Students should realize that not all destinations are the same and therefore the DMO’s role in product development varies because of the special circumstances of the country or region.
