Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
3
points that are not necessarily linked physically or consequentially but connected by a common
theme. Network corridors do not have start or end points, such as the European Cemeteries
Route and the Phoenicians’ Route. In many instances, network corridors may not be connected
by a specific sequence, and their cohesion relies mainly on their shared theme rather than
territorial linkages. 11
From a historical perspective, MDTCs can be classified as either of historical origin or based on
current narratives. MDTCs with historical origins have well-founded and factual historical
roots, such as the Camino de Santiago, while those based on current narratives build on a
historical association strengthened by current narratives, such as the European route of
thermal heritage and thermal towns. 12 Based on their territorial coverage, cultural routes can
be transnational only or intercontinental as well.13 MDTCs can also be classified as formal or
informal. Informal corridors are formed by tourists, and in some instances, tourism agencies
create itineraries that connect attractions of interest, while formal corridors are generally
developed or supported by local authorities in territories along the corridor. 14
Multi-Destination Tourism Corridors Best Practices
In this report, best practices from select global MDTCs are explored in planning and
establishment, governance and management, and marketing of MDTCs. The following
framework illustrates the various areas covered under each category. In the planning and
establishment stage, best practices form global corridors and show extensive research with the
aid of experts in analyzing potential demand for the corridor, assessing the infrastructure in
terms of transport networks along the various nodes of the MDTC and formulating corridor
theme, as well as ensuring benefits for local stakeholders in the planning and establishment of
the corridor. 15
Figure 2: Tourism Corridor Best Practices Framework
Source: DinarStandard Analysis
11 UNWTO (2015), Affiliate Members Global Reports, Volume twelve – Cultural Routes and Itineraries, UNWTO, Madrid.
12 Ibid.
13 Valkova Shishmanova, Maria. 2015. Cultural tourism in cultural corridors, itineraries, areas and cores Networked.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 188: 246 – 254.
14 Hamzah, A. and Ismail, H. N. 2008. A design of Nature-Culture Based Tourism Corridor; A Pilot Project at Kelantan Darul
Naim. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
15 UNWTO (UNWTO) and European Travel Commission. 2017. Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and
Routes.