Destination Development and
Institutionalization Strategies
In the OIC Member Countries
46
Role in Destination Development
Well-developed tourism infrastructures are important as they can increase the efficiency of production
and distribution of tourism services. 172 Infrastructure is an enabler and can increase the supply of tourism
services in remote destinations. 173 Poor quality of tourism infrastructure can threaten a country’s tourism
and air travel sector. The Philippines serves as an example of how poor infrastructure limits tourism, with
the country lacking sufficient space for airlines and additional operating expenses to build out additional
facilities.174
To evaluate and develop the infrastructure of a destination, DMOs can leverage feasibility and land studies.
A DMO must work with local and federal government organizations to ensure appropriate use of public
and private land. Lobbying with elected representatives and government officials across political parties
in destinations is an important DMO activity when DMOs are publicly funded and face challenging
legislation. Lobbying for political influence in decision processes to prevent future challenges is essential.
According to Ritchie and Crouch (2003), infrastructure elements are vital in determining the success of a
tourism destination.175 In terms of tourism infrastructure, the following list includes fundamental
requirements for a destination. 176
Table 5: Destination Fundamental Requirements
Fundamental requirements Key participants
Legal system  Government offices
 Local, state or federal courts
Monetary systems  Banks
 Credit unions
Healthcare systems  Hospitals
 Clinics
Telecommunications  Telephone networks
 Internet
 Radio networks
Transportation systems  Roads
 Airports
 Public transportation
 Rail
 Cruise shipping ports
Public Safety  Police
 Firemen
172 Seetanah, B., Juwaheer, T. D., Lamport, M. J., Rojid, S., Sannassee, R. V., & Subadar, A. U. (2011). Does Infrastructure Matter In Tourism
Development? University of Mauritius Research Journal, 17(1). doi:10.4314/umrj.v17i1.70731
173 Rani, H. A., Afifuddin, M., & Akbar, H. (2017). Tourism infrastructure development prioritization in Sabang Island using analytic
network process methods. doi:10.1063/1.5011570
174 Monticello, P. G. (n.d.). Lack of infrastructure cited in limited tourism, air travel growth. . Retrieved from
175 Ritchie, J. R., & Crouch, G. I. (2011). The competitive destination: a sustainable tourism perspective . Wallingford (UK): CABI Publishing.
176 Destination & Infrastructure checklist. (2014, February 25). Retrieved fro