Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Tourism: Integrating Scenario Workshops and Participatory Scenario Planning

Summary of Background Data Destination management organizations are increasingly considered key players in coordinating tourism initiatives that balance economic growth with sustainability and inclusion [1]. However, the traditional top-down approaches often fall short of fully incorporating the diverse priorities of local stakeholders. Enter the Scenario Workshop methodology, particularly when adapted and combined with Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP). This approach offers a framework that encourages multi-stakeholder engagement, fostering dialogue and consensus-building. It's shown promise in tackling complex challenges within tourism governance. How? By promoting discussions that lead to actionable outcomes, aligning with the sector's evolving demands for innovation [3], accessibility [2], and environmental sustainability. Objectives In this research, we're taking a critical look at how well the Scenario Workshop method works for developing Destination Management Organizations (DMOs). We're also exploring its potential as a participatory tool that could lead to more inclusive, forward-thinking tourism governance [1]. Our study offers a practical view of structured participatory approaches to managing destinations, showing how these methods can help align various stakeholders' priorities with broader strategic goals in tourism. Methods Our research employs a modified version of the Scenario Workshop methodology, which has its roots in the European Awareness Scenario Workshop (EASW) framework. We've deliberately simplified and streamlined this approach to work within our time and resource constraints. We've also incorporated elements from the Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) methodology to bolster its effectiveness and relevance. This tailored approach allows us to gather valuable insights whilst maintaining efficiency. By combining these methodologies, we're able to leverage the strengths of both, creating a robust framework that suits our specific research needs. Results Our workshops revealed an interesting alignment between local stakeholders' priorities and key themes in current tourism research. These themes notably centre on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation. It's clear that the concerns of those on the ground mirror the academic discourse, suggesting a promising convergence of practical and theoretical perspectives in the field. Discussion/Conclusions Our findings highlight the benefits of blending Scenario Workshop methods with Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) approaches. This combination can yield concrete, practical outcomes whilst aligning stakeholder interests with strategic tourism objectives. The research demonstrates that the Scenario Workshop methodology serves as a powerful tool to foster the growth of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) that are firmly grounded in community values and sustainability principles. Moreover, it underscores the vital need for adequate resources and technical know-how to successfully implement digital and sustainable [3] initiatives in the tourism industry.