Participatory Governance: Providing Tools for Local Communities to Engage in Tourism Management

Abstract

The participation of local communities in decision-making and governance processes is critical to achieve sustainable management of tourist destinations, particularly as anti-tourism protests continue to emerge across Europe. Despite this, many destinations rely on traditional tourism management models that lack consultation mechanisms, often neglecting the needs and concerns of residents. Additionally, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) frequently fail to provide effective channels, platforms, or processes for local stakeholders to offer feedback and contribute with suggestions. This study seeks to address these challenges by identifying tools and strategies that promote active engagement of local communities in tourism management. Drawing on a literature review of participatory governance, the results present a comprehensive overview of tools and processes that enable active community engagement in the governance and management of tourism destinations. The findings also underscore the importance of integrating community voices into decision-making processes to enhance the sustainability, equity, and resilience of tourism destinations. Theoretically, this study lays a foundation for further exploration of tools designed to enhance community participation in governance and encourages reflection on how participatory governance can be effectively operationalized to balance the needs of local communities with the demands of the tourism industry. From a practical perspective, the findings emphasize the importance of integrating participatory governance into the operational frameworks of DMOs. Such integration not only enhances resident satisfaction, creating a more welcoming environment for tourists, but also attracts visitors in a more sustainable manner.