Destination management: Right or wrong measures

Abdullah Tanrisevdi, Aydın Adnan Menderes UniversityFollow
Osman Nuri Ozdogan, Aydın Adnan Menderes UniversityFollow
Vedat Acar, Aydin Adnan Menderes UniversityFollow
Sibel Kilicdere, Aydın Adnan Menderes UniversityFollow

Abstract

Planning studies are important for the competitiveness of destinations and their actions with the principles of sustainability. Kuşadası and Didim, which have been among the most important mass tourism destinations in Turkey since 1960, have also long experienced common problems such as lack of coordination, environmental and infrastructural problems, and a lack of an integrated destination approach. Although a series of initiatives have been attempted to solve these problems—with a series of initiatives and good intentions—these initiatives have ultimately failed to achieve their outcomes. The current study aims to present the problems faced with destination management in both destinations. Specifically, it explains the whole process of destination management, including an attempt to guide and play a mediating role for stakeholders through a participatory approach. Therefore, revealing salient problems experienced in both destinations and preparing action plans for the solution of these problems are possible. The research is based on qualitative data from key stakeholders and opinion leaders. The process of data collection took almost two years, including one kick-off meeting, four workshops, and five mini-meetings. In addition, seven in-depth interviews were carried out to follow up on the outcomes. Although common problems such as lack of cooperation, coordination, budget, qualified workforce, infrastructure, and promotion have been identified, establishing a coordination platform and preparing action plans seems to remain remote. Therefore, despite all efforts, attempts at management planning may be regarded as an example of destination management failure.

Keywords

participatory approach, stakeholder, workshop, qualitative data

Chinese Abstract

目的地管理：正确或错误的措施

规划研究对于目的地的竞争力及其秉持可持续性原则的行动至关重要。库萨达斯和迪迪姆自1960年以来一直是土耳其最重要的大众旅游目的地之一。它们也长期面临缺乏协调、环境和基础设施困难及目的地缺乏综合性处理方法等共同问题。尽管一系列的倡议已尝试解决这些问题，并怀有良好意愿，但最终未能实现预期的结果。本研究旨在介绍这两地在其目的地管理中所面临的问题。具体而言，本文解释了目的地管理的全过程，包括通过参与式方法引导和发挥利益相关者的中介作用。因此，本文可揭示两个目的地所经历的突出问题，并据此准备解决方案。该研究基于关键利益相关者和意见领袖的定性数据。数据收集过程历时近两年，包括一次启动会议、四次研讨会和五次迷你会议。此外，研究进行了七次深度访谈以跟踪结果。尽管结论显示了共同存在的问题，如缺乏合作、协调、预算、合资格的劳动力、基础设施和促销等，但建立协调平台和准备相应的行动计划似乎仍遥遥无期。因此，尽管做出了种种努力，当地管理规划的种种尝试可能被视为目的地管理失败的一个例子。

关键词：参与式方法、利益相关者、研讨会、定性数据

ORCID Identifiers

Abdullah Tanrisevdi: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6640-2008

Osman Nuri Ozdogan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8624-5206

Vedat Acar: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1679-6360

Sibel Kilicdere: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4664-6507

DOI

10.5038/2640-6489.6.1.1137

Recommended Citation

Tanrisevdi, A., Ozdogan, O., Acar, V., & Kilicdere, S. (2021). Destination management: Right or wrong measures. Journal of Global Business Insights, 6(1), 1-21. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/2640-6489.6.1.1137