Sustainable Destination Management

Strategies in the OIC Member Countries

tour” pattern also involves visiting destinations sequentially, but in this case, all visited

destinations are near to each other. The “base camp” pattern involves using one destination as

a base to visit multiple destinations, whether as day trips or overnight visits. The “en-route”

pattern involves visiting secondary destinations on the way to or from two or more primary

destinations.

MDT combines a collection of attractions across various destinations/countries to form a

“cumulative attraction,” which adds to their appeal for tourists and increases product

diversification as well as market penetration. It allows for the development of multi-

destination packages with unique products using the natural and cultural attributes of each

destination/country, which has the potential of attracting niche markets and increasing market

share.

For similar destinations, they appeal to tourists who are interested in specific themes

seeking an array of experiences within their interest area. For complementary destinations,

they are poised to gain a competitive advantage as a group, each using their own resources

efficiently in their area of strength.

MDT expands the benefits of tourism across regions, tourism actors, and local communities, as

opposed to the single-destination model, which in many instances, is dominated by “all-

inclusive enclaves” promoted by international tour operators. It also appeals to tourists as it

offers them the ability to have a multitude of experiences and adds value, especially for long-

haul trips.

However, it is important to note that MDT still faces a number of administrative

challenges such as the likely variations in visa requirements between the different destinations,

the reluctance of countries and their DMOs to encourage tourists to visit other destinations

outside their borders, and the complexity of coordination and collaboration between the

various destinations on tourism strategic priorities and policies.

The Evolution of the Multi-Destination Tourism Corridor (MDTC) Concept

Some of the earliest MDTCs of the 19

century were associated with railways such as “The

Orient Express” enabling tourists to embark on a journey from Paris to Istanbul in six days, the

“Eastern and Oriental Express” journey between Bangkok and Singapore, and the “Orient

Express” journey between Moscow and Beijing.”

Initially, the concept of corridors was

associated with transport, providing a connection between two or more urban areas using the

most direct and shortest connections channeling economic and social activities.

As a

transport concept, corridors are defined as “a broad geographic area, defined by logical,

existing and forecasted travel patterns served by various modal transportation systems that

Ibid.

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.

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

Development. Asociación de Estados del Caribe.

UNWTO (UNWTO) and European Travel Commission. 2017. Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and

Routes.

Plokhikh R. V., Sakypbek M. A., and Asipova Zh. M. 2018. Cooperation in the field of tourism development according to

«Almaty – Bishkek Corridor Initiative (ABCI)». Technologies оf Business аnd Service. – Vol.4, № 2.

Alampay, Ramon Benedicto, and G. Rieder, Ludwig. 2008. Developing Tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic

Corridors. Journal of Greater Mekong Subregion (4): 59-76.