ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the importance of community relationships and involvement to destination management. It describes the reasons and benefits of having positive relationships with local community residents. The chapter discusses the activities included in managing the relationships and involvement of local community residents. It presents varying strategies for relationship management with different groups of stakeholders. The chapter also describes the tourism sector stakeholders in a destination. It also discusses the reasons for having destination management organizations (DMO) membership programmes. The chapter examines the activities in DMO relationships with and involvement of members. It reviews the benefits that DMOs provide to members. The chapter also explains the important considerations with DMO boards of directors. Apart from requiring personal charisma, DMOs need to be visionary and strategic in their thinking and planning to be viewed as leaders. The DMO must find ways and open more channels to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the local community.
