Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
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bodies involved in the development and implementation of sustainability goals through
regulations and strategies, which operate on international, regional, national, and local levels.
Governance and Regulatory Environment
1.1.1. 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 the area of sustainable
tourism.69 However, in most countries, a number of 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 a large number of 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. 70 It is also worth noting that at the country level, in
leading best practice destinations, local communities are involved in the development of
sustainable tourism strategies. An example of this is Denmarkwhere tourismboardmembership
consists of members from the local community, local tourism businesses, and in many instances
representatives of the municipal councils.71
In Australia, a number of government bodies, including the DMO Tourism Australia, the
Department of Environment, the Australian Trade Commission, and the Department of
Agriculture, work on promoting sustainable tourism at the destination level. Tourism Australia
focuses on improving destination competitiveness and the sustainable development and
promotion of the tourism industry, whereas The Department of Environment implements
governmental policies on the environment, heritage, water, and climate action. The Department
of Agriculture develops and implements sustainable policies and programs in the areas of
agriculture, fisheries, food, and forestry. 72
In Sweden, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and Visit Sweden collaborate
in the development of tourism strategies and destination marketing activities. The Swedish
Agency for Economic and Regional Growth is also responsible for coordination with other
government bodies and dissemination of information related to tourism. Visit Sweden, a public-
private partnership, is responsible for promoting Sweden internationally; it encourages
sustainability practices by endorsing ecotourism in rural areas. The Council for the Promotion
of Sweden Abroad includes members from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of
Enterprise and Innovation, the Ministry of Culture, the Swedish Institute, Business Sweden and
Visit Sweden. The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, which is an umbrella
organization for local and regional authorities, promotes cooperation between industry players
and local and regional bodies by providing networking opportunities.73
69 COMCEC. (2018). Destination development and institutionalization strategies in the OIC member countries. COMCEC.
70 UNWTO. (2013). Sustainable tourism for development guidebook. UNWTO.
71 Hansen, J. (2018). Turistforening. Den Store Danske, Gyldendal. Retrieved from
72 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. (2013). Sustainable development of tourism destinations. Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation.
73 OECD. (2018). OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2018. Paris: OECD Publishing.