Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
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tourism establishments adhere to the strict criteria as stipulated by the Foundation for
Environmental Education (FEE).”257 In the criteria considered to issue certification are elements
such as the consumption of local products, the support of local businesses, waste recycling,
decent employment, social responsibility, which are all conducive to a circular economy. An
organization that was founded in Denmark to promote environment-friendly practices in
tourism businesses, Green Key has grown internationally and has around 2900 members in 57
countries.258 It works together with NGOs, authorities, and universities to promote and monitor
eco activities. Wonderful Copenhagen also works to raise awareness about sustainability among
visitors and residents and organizes training programs on sustainability in the MICE industry.
Stakeholder Engagement
Denmark has formal organizations that allows for collaboration and coordination between the
different stakeholders. The Danish Tourism Advisory Board, for example, has members who
represent the interests of industry stakeholders in different areas. This Board provides advice
on policy making, strategies and regulations to the Danish National Tourism Forum.
Within the framework of its 2017 Smart Tourism Strategy, VisitDenmark provides support to
digitalize Danish tourism’s value-chains to increase the coordination and co-operation within
the Danish tourism industry. It also provides relevant data and data sources in a common
knowledge-hub to tourism actors within the framework of its smart insights initiative with the
aim of increasing cooperation and coordination among the various stakeholders.259
Funding
Total Governmental investment to enhance Danish tourism in the year 2015 was $102.5
million.260 VisitDenmark is funded from the state and its allocated budget is $17.4 million. The
Danish Coastal and Nature tourismhas a budget of $1.5million and Danish Business andMeeting
Tourismhas a budget of $425,000. Danish City Tourism is funded from the budget forWonderful
Copenhagen,261 the capital’s official tourism organization, which is in turn, funded by the Capital
Region of Denmark as well as private businesses and organizations.262
The Danish government has contributed with direct funding for sustainability activities in the
past. In 2010 it was agreed that approximately $6.2 million263 would be invested to improve
conditions for bicycle tourism on Danish islands.264 The government also designated a budget of
$155,000 to the NGO Hold Denmark Rent265 to strengthen green tourism through raising
awareness about garbage on the beaches and in nature and by promoting responsible choices
among tourists.
Tourism in Denmark also benefits from European funding such as in the case of the BSTC, the
257 Green Key. (n.d.). Our Programme. Retrieved from
258 From interview with Denmark Green Key Program Manager.
259 OECD. (2016). Denmark. in OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2016. Paris: OECD Publishing.
260 OECD. (2018). OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2018 . Paris: OECD Publishing.
261 OECD. (2016). Denmark. in OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2016. Paris: OECD Publishing.
262 Visit Copenhagen. (n.d.). Who we are. Retrieved from
copenhagen/copenhagen/who-we-are.
263 Annual Tourism Report. (2010). Denmark. Retrieved from
264 Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing. (n.d.). Danish Infrastructure Investments 2012. Retrieved from
265 Annual Tourism Report. (2010). Denmark. Retrieved from