Sustainable Destination Management

Strategies in the OIC Member Countries

Background and Methodology

The rising interest in Multi-Destination Tourism (MDT) is evident in the efforts of international

organizations as well as regional organizations to championing and supporting cooperation

betweenmultiple destinations in the tourism sector. MDT combines assets and attractions from

various destinations to form a “cumulative attraction” or an integrated attraction. This can be

beneficial for destinations, whether they have different or similar tourism assets.

For

destinations with similar assets, the array of experiences within the tourist interest area is

expanded, adding to their appeal. For complementary destinations, they can gain a competitive

advantage as a group.

The Development of Multi-Destination Tourism Corridors (MDTCs) can be an important tool in

fostering cooperation between countries in the area of tourism. The concept of Tourism

Corridors is described as “an approach to tourism that offers travelers the opportunity to visit

a variety of built and natural attractions along a themed route.”

In the context of this study, a

Multi-Destination Tourism Corridor (MDTC) is defined as a route defined by a theme covering

more than one country

Recognizing the importance and potential of MDTCs for the member states of the Organization

of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), this study aims to provide tourism stakeholders and

policymakers in member states with recommendations to successfully plan, establish, manage

and market MDTCs. In this report, the introduction explores the concepts of MDT and TCs as

well as presents a typology of MDTCs. Chapter One outlines the typology of select global MDTCs

and best practices in planning and establishment, governance and management, and marketing

of MDTCs.

Chapter Two outlines the practices of select OIC MDTCs in the areas of planning and

establishment, governance and management, and marketing. Chapter Three presents four case

studies from the OIC and the non-OIC countries to shed light on best practices planning and

establishment, governance and management, and marketing of MDTCs. Chapter Four compares

practices of the OIC and the non-OIC countries in the areas of planning and establishment,

governance and management, and marketing of MDTCs. Chapter Five provides

recommendations based on study findings for policymakers in the OIC member states for

planning and establishment, governance and management, and marketing of MDTCs as well as

proposes the potential OIC MDTCs.

Objective

The objective of this study is to:



Identify best practices of global multi-destination tourism corridors for planning and

establishment, governance and management, and marketing.



Compare existing OIC multi-destination tourism corridors with global best practices.

Orozco, Julio, and Charles, Amanda. 2014. Multi-Destination Tourism (MDT): An Opportunity for Diversification and

Development. Asociación de Estados del Caribe.

Hawkins, D., et al. 2015. Multi-Country Destination Development: An Opportunity to Stimulate Tourism in the Americas.

International UNWTO Seminar on Multi Destination Opportunities for Regional Integration.

Prideaux, B and Cooper, C. 2002. Marketing and destination growth: A symbiotic relationship or simple coincidence?

Journal of Vacation Marketing 9(1): 35-51.