Destination network management: a conceptual analysis

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on managing networks within destinations, or destination network management. The purpose is to provide a conceptual definition of the term.

Design/methodology/approach

Destinations are seen as networks, and networks are approached from a strategic perspective. Reviewing and drawing on the literature on destination management, tourism networks, strategic networks and strategic management the paper proposes a concept that could be of use in analyses of network management.

Findings

It is suggested that managing is a value‐creating activity embedded within a network, and that there are two approaches to network management: strategic management and the coordination of cooperation among the actors involved.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature. The authors intend to test the developed hypothesis in empirical case studies in the near future.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on destination management in proposing a novel concept of destination network management, and introducing a dynamic, activity‐oriented approach as opposed to the actor‐focused destination management organization (DMO) view.

Citation

Meriläinen, K. and Lemmetyinen, A. (2011), "Destination network management: a conceptual analysis", Tourism Review, Vol. 66 No. 3, pp. 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/16605371111175302