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Collaborative governance in tourism: lessons from Etorkizuna Eraikiz in the Basque Country, Spain

Xabier Barandiarán (University of Deusto University of the Basque Country – UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain)
Natalia Restrepo (University of Deusto University of the Basque Country – UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain)
Álvaro Luna (University of Deusto University of the Basque Country – UPV/EHU, San Sebastian, Spain)

Tourism Review

ISSN: 1660-5373

Article publication date: 12 September 2019

Issue publication date: 18 September 2019

796

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine through a case study how the creation of collaborative spaces between local stakeholders can foster decision-making and collective development of projects that improve the governance of tourism destinations and their sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the analysis of a case study based on the Etorkizuna Eraikiz (Building the Future) programme developed in the Gipuzkoa region located in the Basque Country, Spain. The programme is based on a strategy that seeks to institutionalize a new model of collaborative governance in the long term through the co-design of public policies involving stakeholders of the territory. Through the description and analysis of the results achieved so far, the paper presents the implications of this public programme for the design of policies.

Findings

Etorkizuna Eraikiz emerges as a model to develop an exercise of active experimentation. The analysis of this collaborative governance process has derived in practices and agendas promoted by a variety of agents within the region. The programme has important implications for the formulation of public policies in the field of tourism through the creation of formal interaction spaces and the implementation of projects in support of tourism development (Tourist Eco-tax and information and communication technology tools).

Originality/value

This paper provides a contemporary approach to the practices in governance within the context of tourism. This case study may be of interest to practitioners and researchers to adopt destination governance practices through the creation of collaborative spaces between local stakeholders. These practices can foster decision-making and the collective development of projects that impact and lead to better governance of tourism destinations and their sustainability.

Keywords

Citation

Barandiarán, X., Restrepo, N. and Luna, Á. (2019), "Collaborative governance in tourism: lessons from Etorkizuna Eraikiz in the Basque Country, Spain", Tourism Review, Vol. 74 No. 4, pp. 902-914. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-09-2018-0133

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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