Destination Development
As destinations seek to diversify their offerings and grow tourism responsibly, a community-driven approach to development is essential. The goal isn’t just to attract more visitors—it’s to support local economies, celebrate a destination’s unique character, and ensure tourism benefits everyone.
We work with destinations to design development programs that are practical, inclusive, and tailored to local needs. Our process starts with research into successful models from other regions and an analysis of what might work locally. Then, through close collaboration with stakeholders, we adapt those ideas to fit the destination’s specific context and priorities.
The result is a development strategy shaped by the community and grounded in on-the-ground realities—whether that means creating new tourism products, enhancing infrastructure, or building local capacity.
Our team, with the support of graduate students from GW’s Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (MSTHEM), brings a mix of global insight and local sensitivity to every project. Together, we help destinations move from concept to execution—empowering communities to take ownership of their tourism future.
Ready to develop new tourism experiences that reflect your community’s identity and potential? Let us know how we can help bring your vision to life.
RECENT PROJECT EXAMPLES
South Dakota Destination Development Program
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To help tourism-dependent South Dakota generate additional revenue and meet growing traveler interest in authentic experiences, we are working with Travel South Dakota to develop a Destination Development Program to empower rural communities and businesses to grow, manage, and promote tourism responsibly. Expanding tourism opportunities across the state enhances local economies, supports businesses, and attracts visitors to diverse destinations offering new, authentic tourism products, experiences, and services. This initiative will enable more residents and businesses to benefit from the advantages of tourism, creating a stronger and more unified foundation for prosperity in South Dakota's rural communities. The program will launch in August of 2025.
St. Thomas Parish Destination Management Plan
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GW’s International Institute of Tourism Studies led the development of a destination management plan for Jamaica’s St. Thomas parish in 2021 — the country’s first regional sustainable destination development and management master plan. Designed to promote community tourism for the less developed parish of St. Thomas, it also served as a model for more mature destinations, such as Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. The plan featured comprehensive strategies for sustainable growth, including zoning schemes, destination and infrastructure development strategies, and economic impact forecasts. Read more in our blog post and watch Jamaica's Minister of Tourism launch the destination management plan.