This book examines the political order and the issues, processes and approaches in applying governance insights to tourist destinations. The book consists of 16 chapters presented in three parts. Part I introduces the reader to the issues and considerations of tourist destination governance. The...

This introductory chapter summarizes key aspects of the development of thinking in reference to tourist destination governance. It reviews the changing contexts of tourist destination governance, identifying and analyzing the main sources of its recent transformations. It examines concepts of...

This chapter provides an introduction to Part I and focuses on the challenges and concerns of tourist destination governance. These include addressing the diversity of questions regarding issues such as regional and destination development, community involvement, responsiveness and future outcomes...

This chapter focuses on what may be termed 'new tourist destination countries': Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, part of the Greater Mekong Subregion, and discusses the numerous challenges these countries face in their governance as emerging tourist destinations. This chapter explains that these...

This chapter examines closely the conflicts in governance of a destination with a strong history and a primary focus on one type of special interest tourism-golf. The case study presented by Richard Butler explores the diversity of views which are often prevalent in regional communities due to the...

This chapter explores the diversity of issues and pressures that challenge effective destination governance. In reviewing the extensive literature of destination development issues, barriers and impacts, the chapter endeavours to achieve a more comprehensive typology of the issues that affect...

This chapter discusses the role of knowledge in good governance for tourist destinations. In this context, the chapter identifies the broad processes and institutions involved in governance and decision making regarding tourism. These include levels of government, promotion and marketing...

This chapter provides an introduction to Part II, with a focus on the complexity, dynamics and influences of decision making in the context of tourist destination governance. As with most organizations, public or private, decision making holds the key to effectiveness in governance. Developments...

This chapter has a focus on governance decision making during a number of major crises that Thailand has faced over the past decade which have had significant impacts on tourism. This chapter shows, through an exploratory analysis, the way in which a national government reacted and the decisions...

This chapter looks closely at stakeholder roles in the governance of a wildlife tourist activity in Vava'u, Tonga. The case study acknowledges the international attention and pressure that a controversial 'swim with whales' tourist activity has received. The chapter explores the conflict of values...