Developing a Destination Management Plan or Tourism Growth Plan
Introduction
When a destination is managed effectively and sustainably, its visitor economy reaps countless benefits. New investment and greater innovation alone, for example, can inject fresh talent and jobs to the area.
If you’re looking for successful development, a Destination Management Plan (DMP) or Tourism Growth Plan (TGP) is an essential tool. It establishes a strong foundation and goals for the future, with a clear focus on the needs of residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Read on to learn about DMPs and TGPs, discover how they have benefitted various regions of England, and access our resources for creating your own.
What is a Destination Management Plan or Tourism Growth Plan?
A DMP or TGP is a shared statement of intent to manage a destination over a stated period of time. It articulates the roles of the different stakeholders and identifies clear actions that they will take and the apportionment of resources.
Crucially, destination management includes the planning, development and marketing of a destination, as well as how it is managed physically, financially, operationally and in other ways.
A DMP or TGP should cover all the fundamental aspects of destination management, including:
Tourism performance and impacts.
Working structures and communication.
Overall appeal and appearance, access, infrastructure and visitor services
Destination image, branding and promotion (marketing).
Product mix – development needs and opportunities.
Typically, a DMP or TGP sets a strategic direction for the destination over a period of up to five years. It contains prioritised actions within an annual rolling programme and identifies stakeholders responsible for their delivery.
Guiding principles for developing a DMP
Guiding principles for developing a DMP
For an in-depth explanation of the function and strengths of DMPs, and to explore the process of establishing your own, read our publication Principles for Developing Destination Management Plans. It is relevant to destinations that already have a DMP and want to strengthen or renew it, as well as to those that are yet to start planning.
Essential DMP and TGP resources
Establish your priorities
Use our Prioritisation guide (PDF, 3.4MB) to identify key actions and objectives. Includes an examination of the benefits and disadvantages of each model.
Video resource
Use our video explanation of destination management in your presentations – for a simple, snappy introduction.
Introductory guidance
Our main presentation for destination managers (PPTX, 2.32MB) covers how a DMP works, and key steps to help you to develop your own.
