Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
37
of MDTCs is the transport infrastructure needed to improve connectivity between the various
nodes along the corridors.
From a logistical perspective, assessing the feasibility of MDTCs entails considering the
enabling infrastructure in terms of transport networks along the various nodes of the TC. 67 Air
connectivity is essential in a world where more than half of tourists (57%) traveled by planes
in 2018. Roads are also used by 37% of tourists, making the availability of good road networks
and their maintenance an important element for tourism.68 Best practice examples show the
presence of a solid infrastructure and transport networks connecting MDTCs’ nodes. In Europe,
the Eurail pass provided by railways of Europe connects the railway networks of 27 countries
and facilitates travel between European countries using a single pass, which supports the
development of MDTCs in the region. 69
In the case of the Greater Mekong Subregion TC, UNWTO and the ASEAN have undertaken a
study to review the infrastructure along the nodes of the corridor and transportation networks.
The study identified 41 ports and landings along the river that needed infrastructure
development as well as improving facilities in terms of provision of visitor information centers,
medical facilities, public restrooms, fuel stations, and food outlets. 70
Best Practices in Social Value Assessment
Another important issue in the planning and establishment of MDTCs is whether the proposed
corridor presents an added value to various stakeholders from local communities, local
authorities, local tourism operators and tourism industry in general in the destinations along
the corridor. MDTCs should ensure the mitigation of the negative impacts of tourism as well as
increasing the economic benefits for local communities. The Architecture of Totalitarian
Regimes in Europe’s Urban Memory (ATRIUM) route presents a good example of consultation
with local communities in the development of MDTCs to ensure that the corridor theme is
socially acceptable. In Italy, before investing in this project, the Municipality of Forlì conducted
research to ensure that residents accepted the promotion of this controversial tourism
product. 71
It is worth noting that the engagement and consultation of local communities, local businesses,
local tourism operators and tourism industry is necessary to both increase their awareness of
the potential benefit of the proposed MDTC and their interest in and support for its
establishment. The Wadden Sea corridor presents another good example of stakeholder
engagement in the development phase. Prior to its creation, research was conducted to assess
its viability as a transnational initiative and explore the challenges that needed to be addressed
for the corridor to be viable, such as potential local communities’ opposition to new
67 UNWTO (UNWTO) and European Travel Commission. 2017. Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and
Routes.
68The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC). 2017. International
Tourism in the OIC Countries: Prospects and Challenges.
69 UNWTO (UNWTO) and European Travel Commission. 2017. Handbook on Marketing Transnational Tourism Themes and
Routes.
70 UNWTO Website. 2015. Mekong River-based Tourism Product Development Workshop was held in Da Nang, Viet Nam.
71 UNWTO (2015), Affiliate Members Global Reports, Volume twelve – Cultural Routes and Itineraries, UNWTO, Madrid.