Destination Stewardship Report

May – August 2024 (Volume 5, Issue 1)

The Destination Stewardship Report is a collaboration between the Destination Stewardship Center, Center for Responsible Travel, and Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Our goal is to provide practical information and insights useful to anyone whose work or interests involve improving destination stewardship in a post-pandemic world. Subscribe HERE.

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… READ MORE →

The Encouraging if Uneven Rise of Destination Stewardship

COMMENTARY BY THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
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 LEED certified. Energy efficient. Very nice, but… READ MORE →

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

In central Nepal, the village of Tatopani, known for its natural therapeutic hot springs and amazing views of the Himalayas is located along the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal… READ MORE →

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… READ MORE →

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… READ MORE →

Two Winners from the Top 100

Every year, Green Destinations organizes the Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories competition, which invites submissions from around the world – a vetted collection of stories spotlighting local and regional destinations that are making progress toward sustainable management of tourism and its impacts. From the winners, we’ve selected stories from Albania and Jordan. Synopses by Ailin Fei & Yvonne Montoya.

Sponsored by:

Executive Editor – Jonathan B. Tourtellot
Scheduling, design & distribution – Tiffany Chan
Photo Editor – Gabe Gerson
Contributing editors – Alix Collins, Michele Archie, Devika McWalters
Editorial assistance – Ailin Fei, Yvonne Montoya,
Cindy Linnell, Frank Biasi, Paula Lewis
DSC Webmaster – Tim Greenleaf