In the tourism industry, terms like ”destination management,” ”destination sustainability,” ”regenerative tourism,” ”responsible tourism,” and ”destination stewardship” are often used interchangeably. However, while these terms share common goals of sustainable and mindful travel, they each focus on different aspects of how destinations and tourism are managed, promoted, and preserved. Understanding the nuances between them can help organizations choose the most appropriate approach for their mission and influence.

1. Destination Management

Definition: Destination management, at its most holistic, refers to the coordinated and strategic planning of all aspects of a destination, from infrastructure and attractions to visitor services and economic development. At a destination organization or convention and visitors bureau (CVB) level, it includes destination marketing, stewardship, community partnerships, and destination leadership. It requires a balanced approach that meets the needs of tourists, residents, and businesses to promote sustainable growth and resilience.

Who Uses It: Government entities such as city, county, and state departments typically focus on destination management. These bodies have the authority and resources to influence policy, land use, infrastructure, and regulations that affect how a destination is developed and operated. For example, a state department of tourism may create policies to enhance transportation infrastructure or regulate natural resource use in high-traffic tourist areas.

Key Elements:

Policy and planning
Infrastructure development
Economic development strategies
Balancing resident and visitor needs

Example: The City of Durango’s Destination 2034: Destination Management Master Plan, developed in collaboration with Visit Durango and JLL, is an ambitious, comprehensive plan that integrates all aspects of destination management into a cohesive strategy for the next decade and beyond. The plan addresses critical areas such as infrastructure improvement, sustainable tourism, and cultural preservation. One of its core goals is to promote year-round tourism while balancing visitor demand with the city’s capacity to handle growth sustainably.

2. Destination Sustainability

Definition: Destination sustainability focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, economy, and local communities. The aim is to ensure that the destination remains attractive and viable for future generations by conserving natural resources, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring equitable economic benefits.

Who Uses It: Environmental organizations, governments, and larger tourism organizations with sustainability mandates often use this term. City and state departments may also adopt sustainability frameworks when considering tourism’s long-term impact on natural and social systems. Using the term “sustainability” can also be a smart strategic decision for those in political environments where that terminology will resonate with residents and stakeholders.

Key Elements:

Conservation of natural and cultural resources
Reducing environmental impacts (carbon emissions, pollution, etc.)
Equitable distribution of tourism benefits
Long-term economic and environmental viability

Example: A national park, such as Galápagos National Park, Yosemite National Park and others, limit the number of visitors during peak seasons to protect fragile ecosystems while implementing eco-friendly tourism initiatives, including zero-waste policies and renewable energy usage.

3. Regenerative Tourism

Definition: Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by aiming not just to minimize harm but to leave a place better than it was before. This concept focuses on restoring, regenerating, and renewing the natural, social, and cultural environment through active and thoughtful interventions that promote healing and recovery of ecosystems and communities.

Who Uses It: Small-scale operators, eco-lodges, local community-based tourism projects, and destinations looking to implement progressive tourism models are the most likely to employ regenerative tourism principles. Governments may adopt it for specific high-sensitivity areas, such as fragile ecosystems or indigenous lands.

Key Elements:

Restoration and regeneration of ecosystems
Holistic and community-centered approaches
Creating positive impacts that outlast the visitor’s stay
A focus on both environmental and social renewal

Example: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council in Hawaii promotes regenerative tourism through community engagement in coral reef restoration and marine conservation efforts.

4. Destination Stewardship

Definition: Destination stewardship is the responsible planning and management of a destination to safeguard its natural and cultural resources, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Unlike broader destination management, stewardship emphasizes caretaking and collaboration between various stakeholders to maintain the destination’s integrity.

Who Uses It: Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are increasingly adopting the term ”destination stewardship” to reflect their focus on managing the destination’s brand, visitor experience, and long-term sustainability. DMOs typically have less influence over hard infrastructure and policy but play a key role in ensuring the destination is promoted and managed responsibly through collaboration with government, businesses, local organizations, and residents.

Key Elements:

Balancing economic, environmental, and social priorities
Long-term protection and preservation of cultural and natural assets
Fostering responsible visitation and tourism growth

Example: Visit California exemplifies destination stewardship by partnering with local communities and organizations to promote sustainable practices and preserve California’s natural landscapes.

5. Responsible Tourism

Definition: Responsible tourism is about making tourism better for the places and people that travelers visit. It asks tourists, businesses, and governments to act in ways that respect local environments and cultures, minimize negative impacts, and maximize benefits for residents and the local economy. Responsible tourism focuses on the actions and choices of all stakeholders involved.

Who Uses It: Private businesses, tour operators, and travelers themselves are typically more involved with responsible tourism practices. Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and businesses can adopt responsible tourism messaging to encourage tourists to be mindful of their behaviors and their impacts.

Key Elements:

Individual responsibility and accountability
Respecting local cultures and environments
Prioritizing ethical and equitable practices
Encouraging travelers to make conscious choices

Example: The Responsible Travel Company promotes responsible tourism practices and highlights destinations that prioritize ethical practices, such as Belize, where tourism is carefully managed to protect its unique wildlife.

Understanding the Differences and Overlaps

While all these terms promote responsible tourism and long-term thinking, they focus on different aspects of destination management and tourism impact:

Destination management is the broadest term and includes all aspects of managing a destination’s growth and sustainability.
Destination sustainability narrows in on minimizing negative impacts, while regenerative tourism takes it further by actively improving the destination.
Destination stewardship is about caretaking and preserving the destination, emphasizing collaboration and long-term thinking.
Responsible tourism shifts some responsibility to travelers and businesses, focusing on ethical and mindful behavior.

Which Entities Should Use Each Term?

The differences between these terms lie in who is responsible and what the main goals are.

City and state governments should focus on destination management and sustainability, as they have control over infrastructure, policy, and regulatory frameworks.
For the most part, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are best suited to emphasize destination stewardship, reflecting their focus on promoting and preserving the destination through partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
Private businesses and tour operators should adopt responsible tourism principles, highlighting their role in fostering ethical and environmentally conscious travel.
Communities and eco-tourism operators should explore regenerative tourism, which emphasizes healing and improving the destination through tourism.

By understanding and using the right terminology, consistently, tourism stakeholders can better communicate their goals and responsibilities with clarity, fostering a more sustainable, ethical, and regenerative industry.

View the original blog post at: https://www.balancepointsolutions.net/blog/tourism-terms-explained-management-stewardship-sustainability