The future of tourism destination management: building productive coalitions of actor networks for complex destination development

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an enhanced understanding of the evolution of actor networks for destination development. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on observations and field notes of the authors regarding evolving organizational structures in the Dutch tourism industry and the conceptualization of this stepwise evolutionary process. Findings – The authors observe and conceptualize recurring patterns in the ways in which coalitions emerge and develop (Figure 1) and which activities they pursue. Originality/value – New insights are provided into the emergence and evolution of multi-actor networks that are driven by sustainable destination development. These insights are useful learnings for other destinations that pursue similar goals.

Keywords

• governance
• destination development
• complex systems
• destination marketing
• actor networks
• destination management
• sustainable development