Destination Stewardship
Too often, tourism planning overlooks the voices of residents and local stakeholders, leading to development that may benefit visitors but strain communities and natural resources. There is a growing need for inclusive, strategic approaches that align tourism growth with the long-term well-being of both people and places.
At GW, we guide and support destinations that want to ensure their tourism industries protect cultural and natural assets, benefit local communities, and remain viable for generations to come. Our collaborative process is grounded in stakeholder engagement, tailored to each client’s needs, and informed by global best practices, such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Standards and Indicators.
- In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Taos, New Mexico, we developed destination management plans that address the challenges of increasing visitor numbers and preserving the towns’ cultural and natural integrity.
- Our destination management plan for Jamaica’s St. Thomas Parish includes zoning schemes and infrastructure development strategies for sustainable tourism growth.
- In Oregon, we assessed regional destination management networks to enhance their strategic direction and effectiveness.
- In collaboration with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, we created a National Visitor Management Strategy to address infrastructure needs and climate change.
Our services range from developing destination stewardship plans and visitor management strategies to conducting carrying capacity studies, impact assessments, and designing tailored training workshops. With deep expertise and a collaborative approach, we help destinations align tourism development with their core values and long-term vision.
Have a tourism challenge or opportunity you want to discuss? We’d love to hear from you and explore how we can work together.
OUR DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP SERVICES
Destination Stewardship Planning
We support destinations in creating holistic, community-centered tourism plans that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term resilience. Through strategic planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, we help communities shape tourism in ways that reflect their values and aspirations. Our collaborative approach ensures that stewardship plans are not only comprehensive but also actionable, empowering destinations to manage tourism growth responsibly.
Destination Development
Our destination development work focuses on helping destinations identify, design, and implement programs that support the growth of new tourism products and experiences. We work closely with local partners to enhance visitor offerings that align with the destination’s unique identity and market potential. From experience design and product innovation to capacity building, we provide practical guidance to foster vibrant, diversified tourism economies that benefit both residents and visitors.
Destination Sustainability Assessments
Discover how we assist destinations in measuring and strengthening their sustainability performance through comprehensive assessments and customized guidance.
Our Destination Sustainability Assessments identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities across environmental, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions. Using globally recognized frameworks, we support destinations in making data-driven decisions and building long-term resilience.
National Tourism Strategy Development
Explore how we partner with governments and organizations to design national tourism strategies that are sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking.
Our work supports countries in crafting clear visions, setting strategic priorities, and aligning tourism with broader development goals. Through stakeholder engagement, research, and policy advising, we help shape resilient tourism sectors that benefit communities and ecosystems alike.
Professional Development Courses
Explore our specialized courses designed to strengthen destination management capacity around the world. Our training programs equip tourism professionals, policymakers, and community leaders with practical tools and strategies to manage destinations sustainably and effectively.
Covering topics like governance, visitor experience, and stakeholder collaboration, these courses are tailored to local needs and global best practices.
