Destination-making and the visitor economy

This Research & Knowledge Exchange Doctoral Project brief summarises our priority areas of research interest under the heading of: Destination-making and the visitor economy 

We welcome all research degree applications aligned with and in response to this brief.

This brief explores the role of destination-making through sustainable and regenerative destination development, either within the UK or overseas.  The term ‘destination-making’ here implies that the work of one or more organisations shapes, supports and strengthens places as visitor destinations, and includes topics such as destination marketing, visitor experience, heritage, culture and society. 

For example, in the UK, destination competitiveness remains a priority for destination managers, however, destination resources continue to be stretched.  Amidst a funding gap and the evolution in structure and function of destination management organisation (The de Bois Review 2021), it has become imperative for new ways of working to be established.  Such change requires creativity and innovation, and involves reviewing how resources, networks, and finances work so that creative, innovative, solutions can be sought and new ventures can be created to enhance the visitor economy. 

Through a sustainable and regenerative destination development lens, the following questions could be asked:   

• To what extent does policy shape destination-making and improve community wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and the long-term resilience of the visitor economy? 
• Do technological innovations (i.e., AI, AR, VR) help to build destination-based resilience and diversify the visitor economy? Do these innovations improve or impede experience?  What impact do these innovations have on the valorisation of culture, and cultural heritage? 
• What does a sustainable and regenerative approach look like in practice?  Does practice align with policy?  What are the implications for destination-making in the future?  Can challenges be overcome through the implementation of effective policy? 

Projects deriving from this brief are expected to sit within the Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy and the following department.

All successful research degree project proposals must emphasise a clear alignment between the project idea and our Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy.