Networking approaches for Sustainable destination management: an italian case study

Networking approaches for Sustainable destination management: an italian case study Francesco Polese - University of Cassino, Italy1 Antonio Minguzzi - University of Molise, Italy2 ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this contribution is to highlight the approaches and managerial techniques that enable destination management based on relational and networking culture. Methodology/Approach The first part of the paper presents a theoretical analysis, examining possible models and cultural approaches for the development of sustainable tourism in specific territorial areas. The second part provides empirical evidence based on the comparison of two territorial parks, showing the validity of our theoretical approach. Findings This paper shows how network forms of organization may support sustainable tourism in specific territorial areas. Sustainable tourism is concerned with social, ecological and economic demands emanating from territorial entities. As such, networks, in their different forms and characteristics, may promote awareness about such demands and thus help to satisfy them. Research implication To make sustainable development possible, however, networks should be represented by a guiding centre (often public bodies or NGOs), which adequately acts on behalf of territorial subjects. Thus, on one hand, networks should promote participatory processes and, on the other, should provide for effective decision-making. Research limitations It is a work in progress, since the authors intend to attempt the definition of practical and managerial tools derived by the theoretical model proposed. Originality/Value of the paper The balance between participation and decision making tends to create some difficulties for tourism network centres in order to guarantee systemic action. The originality of the paper is therefore based upon the interpretation of the model, which allows for a sequence of logical steps in tourism destination management that lead to sensible management, thus, enabling sustainable governance. The presented theoretical model, in fact, enables the participatory processes of decision making capable of involving multiple actors without weakening governance potential and decision capacity, necessary for territorial competitive behaviour. Keywords Destination management; sustainable development; sustainable tourism; tourism networks. Type of paper empirical paper-research paper