Strategic Marketing and Management of Tourism Destinations

Tourism activity is fundamentally destination-based. As the focal point where tourism experiences are created, delivered and consumed, the destination represents the cornerstone of tourism systems and a fundamental unit of analysis in tourism research and practice. Yet, the strategic marketing and management of tourism destinations is inherently complex. It requires an integrated approach that balances the interests of visitors, tourism businesses, destination management organizations, governments, local communities and other stakeholders. Following on from Destination Marketing and Management: Theories and Applications, this volume presents a contemporary treatment of the strategies, principles and practices of destination marketing and management. Bridging both macro- and micro-level considerations, it explores the full spectrum of issues shaping the planning, development, marketing, governance and long-term competitiveness of tourism destinations. Reflecting the rapidly evolving tourism landscape, it examines emerging issues that are shaping the future of destinations worldwide. These include AI-enabled smart tourism, space tourism, medical tourism, destination entertainment experiences, accessible tourism, nature-based tourism, gamification and storytelling, and digital detox tourism. Combining rigorous theoretical foundations with practical insights and forward-looking perspectives, Strategic Marketing and Management of Tourism Destinations: Frontiers, Principles and Practices serves as an authoritative resource for researchers and students. It is also an essential handbook for destination management organizations, policy makers, and industry practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of destination marketing and management in the twenty-first century.