Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
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Policies will vary based on whether countries within a corridor possess similar indicator values
(for example, are similar in terms of openness) or widely vary in their indicator values. Finding
and applying indicators to assess who can lead policy development in a multi-lateral
partnership should always precede the formation of any formal tourism corridor and the
creation of related policies.
5.2. The Importance of Indicators
Finding common indicators to compare countries and assess their readiness for tourism in
general and thus being part of a corridor is of the utmost importance. Data collection and
standardization must be part of any multi-lateral tourism project, such as cross-border
corridors. Without standardized data, the results of initiatives and the impact on communities
cannot be measured and efficiently steered. The World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism
Competitiveness Index, which is referred to in this report as a data source, provides a very
detailed overview of where most countries stand. However, several of the OIC countries are not
represented due to missing data.
This index provides a strategic benchmarking tool for businesses and governments to develop
the travel and tourism sector. By allowing a cross-country comparison and benchmarking
countries’ progress on the drivers of travel and tourism competitiveness, the index informs
policies and investment decisions related to the travel and tourism business and industry
development. The report provides a unique insight into the strengths and areas for
development of each country to enhance its industry competitiveness, and a platform for multi-
stakeholder dialogue at the country level to formulate appropriate policies and actions.
The WEF Index is comprised of four sub-indexes, 14 pillars, and 90 individual indicators,
distributed among the different pillars, as depicted below.
For corridor development, countries with low indicators can benefit from collaborating with
those with high indicators and adjusting their policies to reflect those of their neighbors.
Through opening borders, as well as dispersing tourism flows, knowledge exchange, common
marketing, etc. a corridor can benefit a highly diverse set of countries.