Destination Management: Building Sustainable and Thriving Tourist Locations

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Scenic view of The Lake Furnas. Sao Miguel, Azores. By JJFarquitectos

The convergence of sustainability and tourism has emerged as an impactful area of research in the 21st century, presenting a myriad of opportunities and challenges. In an era where the effects of overtourism and environmental degradation have become starkly apparent, sustainable destination management is pivotal in ensuring the longevity of tourist locations (Koens, Postma, & Papp, 2018).

Sustainable destination management encapsulates a holistic approach. This approach navigates the intricate balance between stimulating economic growth, advocating for environmental conservation, and endorsing active community involvement – the three pillars of sustainability (Bramwell & Lane, 2013).

The recent management strategies adopted by the Azores, a group of Portuguese islands, provide an inspiring example of this balance. To manage growing tourism numbers and prevent environmental degradation, the Azores implemented the “Azores for All” initiative in 2019, fostering sustainable and accessible tourism. This included developing sustainable accommodation options, ensuring accessibility for all tourists, and prioritizing local involvement in tourism planning and operations (Azores for All, 2019).

On the economic front, the success of the “Azores for All” initiative stimulated local economic growth by fostering an inclusive tourism economy and creating job opportunities for the local community (Azores for All, 2019).

The environmental conservation efforts have also been commendable. To minimize the carbon footprint, the Azores have encouraged the use of renewable energy in the tourism sector and focused on waste management, water conservation, and sustainable transport (Azores Government, 2020).

Moreover, the initiative has ensured that the local community remains at the heart of these development plans. It encourages local businesses and stakeholders to partake in decision-making processes related to tourism, promoting a sense of ownership and aligning development with community needs (Azores Government, 2020).

Therefore, the Azores exemplifies how strategic destination management can contribute to creating sustainable and thriving tourist locations, demonstrating the vitality of the sustainable destination management model for modern tourism.

References:

  • Azores for All (2019). About Us. Retrieved from https://azoresforall.com/en/
  • Azores Government (2020). Sustainable Azores. Retrieved from https://sustainable.azores.gov.pt/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EC08_01PlanoAcao2019-2030_EN_s.pdf
  • Bieger, T., Wittmer, A., & Laesser, C. (2016). Transportation modes and travel behavior: The role of accessibility. Journal of Travel Research, 55(6), 673-686.
  • Bramwell, B., & Lane, B. (2013). Getting from here to there: Systems change, behavioural change and sustainable tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 21(1), 1-4.
  • Buckley, R., Zhong, L., Ma, J., & Chen, N. (2019). Sustainable tourism: Progress, challenges and opportunities. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(7), 644-660.
  • Hall, C. M. (2020). Tourism and regional development: New pathways. Routledge.
  • Koens, K., Postma, A., & Papp, B. (2018). Is overtourism overused? Understanding the impact of tourism in a city context. Sustainability, 10(12), 4384.
  • McKercher, B., & Prideaux, B. (2014). Academic myths of tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 46, 16-28.
  • Rossi A. (2022) Comunicazione Digitale per il Turismo, KDP
  • Sigala, M. (2018). Tourism and customer value co-creation: A critical overview and research agenda. Current Issues in Tourism, 21(4), 455-476.
  • UNWTO (2021). International Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – 2030 Journey. United Nations World Tourism Organization. Retrieved from https://www.unwto.org/global/publication/tourism-and-sustainable-development-goals-journey-2030
  • Weaver, D. (2020). Sustainable tourism: Theory and practice. Routledge.
  • Xiang, Z., Du, Q., Ma, Y., & Fan, W. (2017). A comparative analysis of major online review platforms: Implications for social media analytics in hospitality and tourism. Tourism Management, 58, 51-65.

#SustainableTourism; #DestinationManagement; #CommunityInvolvement; #EconomicGrowth; #EnvironmentalConservation; #ThrivingTouristLocations; #AzoresForAll; #TourismDevelopment; #BalancedTourism; #SustainableTravel; #ResponsibleTourism; #TourismTrends

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Targeted Online Communication in Tourism

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Young volunteers planting trees in green park together. By LightFieldStudios

With the development of digital media, which are more widespread and targeted compared to broadcast and generalist media, it is possible to carry out targeted communication towards specific audiences, stimulating the needs, desires, and dreams of particular groups (targets/segments/niches) of tourists with greater precision and detail.

For example, in Figure 1, we see the web page of the globalvolunteers.org website [globalvolunteers, 2023], which showcases different types of volunteer tourism (also known as volunteering or voluntourism). In fact, volunteer tourism, despite already being considered a niche tourism, is no longer a single concept but is divided into numerous categories that volunteers can choose based on their inclinations.

Analyzing the projects offered by the website, which correspond to different types of volunteer tourism, we have the following:

  • English conversation
  • Healthcare assistance abroad
  • Summer camps
  • Building repair and painting
  • Projects for children abroad
  • Parenting workshops
  • Classroom tutoring and teaching
  • Computer skills
  • Gardening
  • Food education
  • Health and hygiene education
  • Administration and finance
  • Home visits in villages
  • Food production
  • Elderly care
  • Literacy and math testing
  • GED tutoring (General Educational Development)
  • Women’s sewing/knitting cooperatives
  • Professional assistance
  • Housing assistance

Fig. 1 – The evolution of volunteer travel according to [globalvolunteers, 2023].

If we examine another volunteer travel website (Fig. 2), www.projects-abroad.co.uk/, we find a classification of different volunteer tourism types that partially differs from those found on the previous website. This demonstrates that even tourism niches are highly fluid today, and the challenge of effectively communicating one’s offerings lies in the ability to know, understand, and reach one’s specific target audiences.

Exploring the project menu on the website [projects-abroad, 2023], we encounter a new extensive list of possible volunteer tourism proposals (Fig. 2):

  • Volunteer abroad: Childcare; Wildlife conservation; Marine conservation; Teaching; Construction; Women’s empowerment; Youth development; Sports coaching; Archaeology; Refugee support.
  • Internship abroad: Medicine and healthcare; Medical internships; Law and human rights; Microfinance; Economics; Engineering; Journalism; Veterinary medicine and animal care; Social work; International development.
  • Study abroad: University abroad; Language learning.
  • Authentic adventures: Gap year projects; Going beyond: immersive gap year abroad 2021; Discovery tours; Food and wine tours; Traditional healing and wellness; Cultural immersion; Family trips.
  • Ethical consumerism travel: Wine and culture; Coffee and chocolate production; Fast fashion awareness; Plastic education and recycling.

Fig. 2 – The evolution of volunteer travel according to [projects-abroad, 2023].

In conclusion, the emergence of digital media has transformed the landscape of targeted communication, enabling precise and detailed messaging towards specific audiences in the tourism industry. This is exemplified by the evolution of volunteer tourism, which has expanded into numerous categories catering to volunteers’ diverse inclinations. Websites like globalvolunteers.org and projects-abroad.co.uk exemplify the fluidity of tourism niches, as they offer distinct classifications of volunteer tourism types. The challenge lies in effectively communicating offerings to these specific target audiences, necessitating a deep understanding and knowledge of their preferences. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for providers to adapt their communication strategies to effectively reach and engage their desired segments. By doing so, they can successfully promote their offerings and meet the evolving needs and desires of today’s travelers.

References:

[globalvolunteers, 2023] globalvolunteers.org

[projects-abroad, 2023] www.projects-abroad.co.uk/

[Rossi, A. 2022] Rossi A., Comunicazione Digitale per il Turismo, KDP, 2022

#TargetedCommunication; #DigitalMedia; #TourismIndustry; #VolunteerTourism; #Volunteering; #Voluntourism; #NicheTourism; #SpecificAudiences; #TourismSegments; #DigitalMarketing; #AudienceTargeting; #CommunicationStrategies; #TravelIndustry; #TourismTrends; #VolunteerTravel; #TourismEvolution; #TourismNiche; #InclusiveTourism; #TravelersPreferences; #SustainableTourism

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The Art of Tourism Marketing: Essential Strategies for Success

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Adventure tourism. By nd3000

In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism marketing, contemporary strategies have begun to place a significant emphasis on digital tactics, targeted outreach, and unique brand development. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the ability to effectively engage and entice potential tourists is an art unto itself (Sigala, 2018). This post will discuss the key strategies for successful tourism marketing, including targeting the right audience, building a strong brand identity, and creating engaging content across various platforms.

Targeting the Right Audience

Successful tourism marketing begins with a clear understanding of your target audience. In recent years, there has been a substantial shift towards personalization in marketing strategies, aimed at providing individualized experiences to potential tourists (Li, Li, & Hudson, 2013). The tourism industry has increasingly recognized the value of tailoring marketing content to align with the specific interests, values, and preferences of different demographic groups (Bieger, Laesser, & Wittmer, 2011). For example, millennial and Gen Z travelers show a marked preference for authentic and experiential travel experiences over traditional tourism offerings. As such, tourism marketing strategies have begun to highlight local and immersive experiences, geared towards these younger demographics.

Building a Strong Brand Identity

In an increasingly competitive market, establishing a robust and unique brand identity is essential for a destination to stand out. A strong brand identity not only differentiates a destination but also creates an emotional connection with potential tourists, promoting loyalty and repeat visits (Konecnik & Gartner, 2007). For instance, since 2018, several cities have launched innovative branding campaigns to highlight their unique attractions and appeal to specific demographic groups.

Creating Engaging Content Across Multiple Platforms

Creating and distributing engaging content across multiple platforms is another crucial component of successful tourism marketing. With the rise of social media and digital technologies, tourists now have access to a wide array of online content (Munar & Jacobsen, 2014). This content, whether it be stunning visual imagery, compelling narratives, or interactive virtual experiences, plays a significant role in influencing tourist behavior. In recent years, destinations have begun to leverage user-generated content, such as photos and reviews shared by tourists on social media platforms, to enhance their marketing efforts (Sigala, 2018).

In conclusion, the art of tourism marketing hinges on understanding your audience, crafting a strong brand identity, and creating engaging content that is distributed across multiple platforms. As the tourism industry continues to evolve and adapt to changes in consumer behavior and technological advancements, so too must the strategies used to market destinations (Sigala, 2018).

References:

  • Bieger, T., Laesser, C., & Wittmer, A. (2011). Consumer heterogeneity in the context of different levels of destination loyalty. Journal of Travel Research, 50(3), 274-287.
  • Konecnik, M., & Gartner, W. C. (2007). Customer-based brand equity for a destination. Annals of tourism research, 34(2), 400-421.
  • Li, X., Li, X., & Hudson, S. (2013). The application of generational theory to tourism consumer behavior: An American perspective. Tourism Management, 37, 147-164.
  • Munar, A. M., & Jacobsen, J. K. S. (2014). Motivations for sharing tourism experiences through social media. Tourism management, 43, 46-54.
  • Rossi, A. (2022) Comunicazione Digitale per il Turismo. Ed. Rossi
  • Sigala, M. (2018). Tourism and customer engagement management in the digital age. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 35(7), 771-779.

#TourismMarketingTrends; #DigitalEraTourism; #TargetAudienceInsights; #BrandIdentityInTourism; #EngagingContentCreation; #MultiPlatformMarketing; #PersonalizedTravelExperience; #AuthenticTravel; #TourismBrandingCampaigns; #UserGeneratedContent; #InfluencingTouristBehavior; #ImmersiveExperiences; #TourismEvolution; #DestinationMarketingStrategies; #SuccessfulTourismMarketing

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“Vilnius’ Belated Birthday Cards” advertising for Lithuania

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Group of young people taking selfie at a birthday party. Photo by vladans

In this brilliantly innovative advertising campaign, the creators playfully tackle the obscure nature of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, with a delightfully tongue-in-cheek approach that combines humor, nostalgia, and a sense of adventure. Drawing upon the city’s previous promotional campaigns, which daringly labeled Vilnius as “the g-spot of Europe” and playfully subverted the conventional Christmas carol narrative with the strikingly titled “Christmas in Vilnius: Amazing wherever you think it is,” the minds behind this effort have truly outdone themselves with their latest endeavor. Celebrating the momentous occasion of the city’s 700th anniversary in 2023, the campaign adopts a retro aesthetic that masterfully encapsulates the essence of the 1980s while simultaneously offering a fresh, contemporary twist.

The captivating video, which can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAfZJRbgih0, humorously acknowledges the general public’s lack of awareness regarding Vilnius’ geographical location and historical significance. In doing so, the video presents a novel and engaging solution for commemorating the city’s 700th birthday: a “belated birthday e-card collection” that injects an irresistibly whimsical sense of fun into the proceedings. This inventive approach not only pokes fun at the fact that many people have overlooked Vilnius’ previous 699 birthdays, but also serves as a clever way to bring attention to this captivating city that has, until now, been relatively hidden from the international spotlight.

The video, steeped in nostalgia, walks viewers through a series of entertaining and visually striking cards, each more amusing than the last. The campaign encourages viewers to send their own belated birthday e-cards, thereby creating a sense of personal connection and investment in the celebration of this extraordinary milestone. The video concludes with an uplifting and memorable message, reminding viewers that while they may forget the date of the anniversary itself, the celebration of Vilnius’ rich 700-year history will be an unforgettable experience. The city, in all its vivacity and charm, is described as being “700 years young,” a testament to its enduring spirit and the ever-evolving cultural tapestry that makes it such an exceptional destination. This audacious and remarkable advertising campaign deftly showcases the indomitable character of Vilnius, inviting viewers to join in the festivities and discover the magic that awaits them in this enchanting, often-overlooked European gem.

#Vilnius700; #HiddenEuropeanGem; #BelatedBirthdayCards; #RediscoverVilnius; #VilniusGSpotOfEurope; #CelebrateVilnius; #700YearsYoung; #RetroVilnius; #VilniusAdventures; #UnforgettableVilnius; #DiscoverVilnius; #VilniusAnniversary; #WhimsicalVilnius; #VilniusMilestone; #VilniusUncovered; #InnovativeAdCampaigns; #VilniusRetroRevival; #RememberVilnius; #CulturalTapestryOfVilnius; #IndomitableVilnius

Tourism Innovation: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Travel

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Two girls having fun with vr glasses virtual reality inovation at home or in office. Ph by dvatri

The tourism industry has always been at the forefront of adopting new technology, seeking ways to enhance and streamline the travel experience. As we continue to dive deeper into the digital age, the scope of technological innovation in tourism has expanded exponentially. This article explores some of the latest developments in technology that are shaping the future of travel, offering more personalized, convenient, and immersive experiences for tourists around the world.

  1. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

One of the most significant technological advances in recent years is the integration of VR and AR into the tourism industry. These immersive technologies allow travelers to explore destinations and attractions from the comfort of their homes, offering a new way to research and plan trips (Guttentag, 2010). VR and AR are also transforming on-site experiences, with attractions and museums providing visitors with interactive and educational content through the use of smart glasses and mobile devices (Yung & Khoo-Lattimore, 2019).

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning have become indispensable tools in the tourism industry. These technologies enable the creation of personalized itineraries, recommendations, and travel experiences tailored to individual preferences (Li, Wang, Liang, & Huang, 2018). AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants have also made customer service more efficient, providing instant and accurate answers to travelers’ questions (Gretzel, 2011).

  1. Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is revolutionizing the tourism industry by connecting devices, systems, and services to create seamless travel experiences (Delen, Kuzey, & Uyar, 2018). Smart luggage with built-in tracking systems, smart hotel rooms with voice-activated controls, and connected transportation services are just a few examples of how IoT is enhancing the travel experience (Bujoreanu, 2017).

  1. Biometric Technology

Biometric technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in airports and other travel-related facilities, as it allows for faster and more secure identification and authentication of travelers (Morphis, 2016). Facial recognition, fingerprint scanners, and iris recognition systems are being used to expedite immigration and customs processes, as well as to enhance security measures (Bagaric & Xynas, 2017).

  1. Sustainable Travel Technologies

As the tourism industry faces growing concerns about its environmental impact, sustainable travel technologies are emerging to help address these issues (Bieger, Wittmer, & Laesser, 2017). Electric and hybrid transportation options, solar-powered accommodation facilities, and innovative waste management solutions are just a few examples of the technologies being implemented to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint (Pantano, Pizzi, Scarpi, & Dennis, 2017).

Conclusion

The ongoing integration of technology into the tourism industry is reshaping the way we travel, offering more personalized, convenient, and immersive experiences. With constant innovations in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, biometric technology, and sustainable travel solutions, the future of travel is undoubtedly an exciting one. As these technologies continue to advance, they will play an increasingly important role in driving the growth and evolution of the tourism industry, ultimately shaping a more connected and sustainable world.

Bibliography

Bagaric, M., & Xynas, L. (2017). Migration and human rights in the era of biometric identification: The case for privacy-enhancing migration controls. International Migration, 55(6), 97-110.

Bieger, T., Wittmer, A., & Laesser, C. (2017). Transportation mode and travel behavior: A study on the role of electric and autonomous vehicles. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 25(6), 811-828.

Bujoreanu, I. C. (2017). Internet of things and smart tourism development. Valahian Journal of Economic Studies, 8(2), 41-46.

Delen, D., Kuzey, C., & Uyar, A. (2018). The impact of the Internet of Things on the tourism industry: An exploratory study. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 9(3), 286-300.

Gretzel, U. (2011). Intelligent systems in tourism: A social science perspective. Annals of Tourism Research, 38(3), 757-779.

Guttentag, D. (2010). Virtual reality: Applications and implications for tourism. Tourism Management, 31(5), 637-651.

Li, X., Wang, D., Liang, X., & Huang, D. (2018). A personalized travel recommendation algorithm based on collaborative filtering and time-aware POI visit probability. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 8, 206-215.

Morphis, A. (2016). Biometrics and international travel. Journal of Airport Management, 10(3), 271-279.

Pantano, E., Pizzi, G., Scarpi, D., & Dennis, C. (2017). Competing through responsible innovation: The case of the travel industry. Journal of Business Research, 77, 139-148.

Rossi A., (2022) “Comunicazione Digltale per il Turismo”, Rossi A., 2022, ISBN 9791221004175

Yung, R., & Khoo-Lattimore, C. (2019). New realities: A systematic literature review on virtual reality and augmented reality in tourism research. Current Issues in Tourism, 22(17), 2056-2081

TourismInnovation, #FutureOfTravel, #TravelTech, #VirtualReality, #ArtificialIntelligence, #IoTinTravel, #BiometricTechnology, #SustainableTravel, #SmartTourism, #TravelTrends

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Integrated Online and Offline Communication

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Handshake after a good deal. By ijeab

The advent of digital communication has not eliminated offline channels, that is, traditional communication (newspapers, weeklies, monthlies, guides, radio, TV, etc.), which continue to have their audiences and therefore continue to be important for conveying our tourism messages.

An effective strategy in the digital communication era must therefore be able to integrate online and offline channels (Fig. 1), involving our audiences (especially fans on social media channels) to share our messages. To succeed in this endeavor, communication needs to be coordinated between the offline and online parts, both between the destination and the operators and residents as much as possible, conveying a well-defined tourism identity.

Fig 1 – Integrated communication diagram in Travel and Tourism (created by the Author)

Bibliogrphy

[Rossi A., 2022] Rossi Andrea, “Comunicazione Digltale per il Turismo”, Rossi A., 2022, ISBN 9791221004175

#OnlineOffline; #OnlineAndOffline; #OnlineAndOfflineChannels; #IntegratingOnlineAndOfflineChannels; DigitalCommunication; #TraditionalCommunication; #TourismMarketing; #TourismIdentity; #Coordination; #AudienceEngagement; #SocialMediaMarketing; #DestinationMarketing; #OfflineMarketing; #OnlineMarketing