Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
4
evaluation, and crisis management, are aimed at preserving the physical integrity, cultural
richness, biological diversity, and resource efficiency at the destination. 12
DMO Activities Serving Sustainable Tourism Goals
Source: DinarStandard Analysis based on UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Goals
Governance: Beyond the fact that DMO activities are mainly geared at achieving sustainability
at destinations DMOs are responsible for implementing sustainability policies and strategies in
many areas as well as engaging, coordinating with and supporting stakeholders in sustainable
tourism.13 However, in most countries, several other government bodies, including government
environmental agencies in many instances, are involved in developing sustainable tourism
strategies. It is also worth noting that there are many international and regional organizations
involved in promoting sustainability at the destination level, with some of these organizations
establishing sustainable tourism guidelines for member countries such as in the case of the
European Commission. 14
Regulatory frameworks are used by governments to promote sustainable tourism practices by
imposing sanctions in cases of non-compliance. Governments have developed regulations in
several areas that seek to advance sustainable tourism development, including land use
planning and development, employee rights, tourists’ health and safety, environmental
protection, protection of local communities, use of non-renewable resources, and equal access.
15 Many countries are using environmental impact assessments to encourage tourism
businesses to monitor their environmental footprint.
SustainableTourismStrategies: Inanattempt to address the economic, social, and environmental
impacts of tourism, destination sustainability strategies cover several areas. These strategies
include increasing awareness of sustainability issues at the destination level, the protection of natural
and cultural heritage assets, management of environmental impacts (e.g., use of non-renewable
resources, pollution reduction, waste management, and planning of future tourismdevelopment and
12UNTWO. (2013). Sustainable tourism for development guidebook. UNWTO.
13 COMCEC. (2018). Destination Development and institutionalization strategies in the OIC member countries. COMCEC.
14 UNWTO. (2013). Sustainable tourism for development guidebook. UNWTO.
15 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2013). Sustainable development of tourism destinations. Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation.