Destination Management means  developing strategies to manage information about all key products, stakeholders and resources in order to more effectively communicate and promote their messages to the world. This means cooperative use of information and resources within destinations to enable simpler and more streamlined access to tourism by consumers and key partners- reducing roadblocks to better business and more effective management of tourism. From this basis, Destination Marketing becomes much easier and can be carried out strategically in partnership between public and private sectors.For Africa this will require strategic planning and mutually beneficial partners between the private tourism sector and destination managers and marketers- and cooperation between destinations.

If you are responsible for managing or marketing your destination online, one of the best available resources is Destination World which is a free e-newsletter, published 6 times a year, designed for tourism destination professionals around the world i.e. people working for or with tourism destination organisations at local, regional, provincial / state, national and international levels.

Its aim is to provide a source of information about best practice, expert knowledge on issues of common concern, new research reports, special events and industry news.

Destinations are also well advised to gain exposure to the latest trends, developments and new technologies in the global marketplace by attending conferences and events (such our African conferences) and also international conferences such as those held by our event partner, Eye for Travel.

Useful destination information and contacts can be found at TravelMole. This a global online community for the travel and tourism industry. Its aim is to bring together travel professionals by providing the relevant news and services they need in their day to day work.

Their website provides travel and tourism professionals via daily trade news reports, networking and job opportunities, topical discussion, searchable archives and reference directories, as well as free newswire bulletins.

Note: The information on this page is drawn from resources produced and used by E-Tourism Africa trainers Peter Varlow (TEAM Tourism) and Damian Cook. Please do not reproduce or publish this material without permission. This information is an overview of content from our Training Seminars. If you'd like learn more about this topic, attend one of our events and join the E-Tourism Seminars.