What are the different levels of tourism policy and planning? Tourism policy and planning is a complex area involving many stakeholders and organisations, and research on the topic can be overwhelming at first.
This article provides a simple introduction to tourism policy and planning, outlining the different levels at which it takes place – international, national, regional and local – and the types of organisations involved at each level.
What is tourism policy and planning?
The two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably. Tourism policy can be defined as:
‘A set of rules, regulations, guidelines, directives, and development/promotion objectives and strategies that provide framework within which the collective, as well as individual decisions directly affecting long-term tourism development and the daily activities within a destination are taken’
Planning can be defined as;
‘the process of making decisions for the future, and not simply the physical preparation of a ‘plan’. Planning involves implementing decisions and monitoring the outcomes.’
Video: Why tourism planning is important
Components of tourism planning
Tourism policy and planning typically involves a number of components, namely:
- Tourism attractions and activities
- Accommodation
- Other tourist facilities and services
- Transportation facilities and services
- Other infrastructure
- Institutional elements
See also: Why tourism planning is important
Levels of tourism planning
Tourism policy and planning takes place on different levels. This can take a top-down approach, for example by international or national bodies, or a bottom-up approach, from a local level.
International tourism planning
At the international level tourism planning typically involves; international transportation services; the movement and scheduling of the tours of tourists among different countries; the development of major tourist attractions and facilities in neighbouring countries and the working strategies and promotional programs of many countries.
Examples of international level participation groups include:
- International government and intergovernmental organisations: e.g. UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism); the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- International producer organisations: e.g. the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- International non-producer organisations: e.g. WWF; Greenpeace; the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
- International single interest organisations: e.g. ECPAT International, which campaigns against the sexual exploitation of children, including in travel and tourism
See also: What is tourism? A definition of tourism
Other international and multinational organisations also influence tourism across national boundaries. Decisions made at this level can be significant for tourism at national and local level. Examples include:
- The European Union
- The Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
- The Organization of American States (OAS)
National tourism planning
National tourism planning is concerned with tourism policy; infrastructure and a physical structure plan, including major tourist attractions, tourism development regions, international entry points, facilities and services; the amount, type and quality of accommodation and other tourist facilities; major tour routes and their regional connections; tourism organisations, laws and investment policies; tourism marketing and promotion; education and training; and environmental, economic and socio-cultural analysis.
Examples of national level participation groups include:
- National government and intergovernmental organisations: e.g. VisitBritain/VisitEngland, VisitScotland, Tourism New Zealand
- National producer organisations: e.g. ABTA, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), UKinbound, UKHospitality
- National non-producer organisations: e.g. the National Trust, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
- National single interest organisations: e.g. the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the Wilderness Society (Australia)
See also: Stakeholders in tourism
Regional tourism planning
Regional planning looks at aspects including regional policy; regional entry points and transport facilities and services; the types and locations of tourist attractions; the amount, type and location of tourist accommodation and other facilities; and the location of tourism development areas, including resort areas.
Regional bodies also manage socio-cultural, environmental and economic impact analysis; education and training programmes; marketing and promotion; and organisational structures, regulations, investment policies and implementation methods, such as project plans and regional zoning regulations.
Examples of regional level participation groups include:
- Regional government and intergovernmental organisations: e.g. CARICOM, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
- Regional producer organisations: e.g. the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
- Regional non-producer organisations: e.g. the European Environmental Bureau (EEB)
- Regional single interest organisations: e.g. Coastwatch Europe, Climate Action Network Europe
Local tourism planning
Local tourism planning considers goals and objectives, analysis, plan preparation, outputs, outcomes and evaluation at grassroots level.
Examples of local level participation groups include:
- Local government and intergovernmental organisations: e.g. local councils and destination organisations such as Visit Cornwall; in England, Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) accredited by VisitEngland
- Local producer organisations: e.g. local chambers of commerce, business improvement districts and tourism business associations
- Local non-producer organisations: e.g. residents’ associations
- Local single interest organisations: e.g. ‘friends of’ groups for parks, or campaign groups formed to oppose particular developments, such as a hotel or airport
The approach and implementation of tourism policy and planning differs considerably between destinations. It may, for example, be well organised and regulated in a developed country (or even over-regulated in some cases), and less resourced in developing countries.
Tourism policy and planning: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about tourism policy and planning.
What is tourism policy?
Tourism policy is a set of rules, regulations, guidelines, objectives and strategies that provide a framework for decisions about tourism development and the daily management of tourism in a destination.
What are the levels of tourism planning?
Tourism planning takes place at international, national, regional and local levels, with different organisations involved at each level.
Who is involved in tourism planning?
Tourism planning involves governments and intergovernmental bodies, industry (producer) organisations, non-producer organisations such as charities and NGOs, and single interest groups.
What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up tourism planning?
Top-down planning is led by national or international bodies and imposed on destinations, while bottom-up planning is driven at local level, often with community involvement.
Why is tourism planning important?
Tourism planning helps to maximise the benefits of tourism, such as jobs and income, while minimising negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
Tourism policy and planning: Conclusion
Tourism policy and planning takes place at different levels and involves many different organisations. For more information on tourism planning, see why tourism planning is important.
Useful texts for further reading include Tourism Policy and Planning: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Edgell and Swanson), Tourism Planning and Destination Marketing (Camilleri), Leisure, Sport and Tourism, Politics, Policy and Planning (Veal) and Tourism Planning: Policies, Processes and Relationships (Hall).
Tourism policy and planning: Further reading
If you found this article useful, these articles may also be of interest:
- Why tourism planning is important
- Stakeholders in tourism
- What is a tourist board?
- What is sustainable tourism?
- Overtourism explained
If you wish to cite this article, please use the reference: Stainton, H. (2018) Different levels of tourism policy and planning. Tourism Teacher.
