2024 May - August

The Los Angeles DMO Adopts Destination Stewardship

When a major city DMO starts getting hints that the old style of simply marketing major attractions isn’t quite satisfactory, some soul-searching ensues. Los Angeles Tourism CEO Adam Burke explains why they had to change, and how they did it. A key step: Change the bylaws.

To build an equitable, sustainable future, Los Angeles Tourism recasts itself a “destination stewardship organization”

When the team at the Destination Stewardship Center asked if I could share some of the work we’re doing in Los Angeles around equity and sustainability, I was somewhat reluctant since there is exceptional work being done by numerous DMOs around the world. There is no shortage of good ideas and best practices...

Nepal’s Community Homestay Network

Popular hiking trails around the world are prone to developing knots of overtourism at access points. With their multi-decade experience in trekking tourism, it’s no surprise that that the Nepalese have developed some innovative responses. Yvonne Montoya describes how one village takes tourism pressure off another.

Homestays can reduce trekking congestion, enrich villagers, and deepen tourist experiences

Engaging Travelers in Destination Stewardship

The stream of tourists who visit a destination become part of that destination. What they say, what they do, how they spend, how they behave – as guests or invaders? – makes a difference. Increasingly, destination organizations want to brief their visitors on doing no harm, even doing some good. Purdue’s Dr. Jonathon Day explains how the Travel with Care initiative aims to help DMOs accustomed to marketing the place learn how to market good behavior.

How can destinations help clueless visitors become thoughtful guests?

At a time when tourists are being vilified, it is important to remember that travelers can play a key role in destination stewardship. 

The Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel Lab, together with Miles Partnership, has launched a new program – Travel with Care — designed to support destinations working to encourage better travel behaviors... 

Pioneering Community-Owned Tourism in the Maldives

The ritzy resorts of the Maldives, each perched on its own atoll, have left most islanders out of the tourism equation. Shannon McCarthy and Chloe King describe how a community-based guesthouse model may change things. Their first problem was how to convince the community.

One resort per atoll did little for Maldive islanders. Was there another way?

For many, the Maldives is the ultimate tropical paradise with clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and abundant marine life. In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism reported 1.88 million tourist arrivals, a 12.6% increase from 2022’s 1.67 million. However, while tourism remains the backbone of the Maldives’ economy...

The Encouraging if Uneven Rise of Destination Stewardship

Jonathan Tourtellot first began promoting the idea of destination stewardship around 2002 during his days at National Geographic Traveler magazine. He’s been at it ever since. Here’s what he likes – and doesn’t like – about the new rise in popularity of the approach.

The concept is gaining traction, at least in part

Quite a few years ago, I remember being shown photos of a new beachfront resort development in Mexico. Doesn’t matter where. The developer and government participants proudly pointed out that the buildings were all...

The GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will take place in Sentosa, Singapore, from November 13th to 16th, 2024. It will consist of panel discussions and interactive workshops, including a 'Roadmap for Destination Sustainability' workshop where participants will gain practical insights and tools.