Critical Success Factors in Destination Marketing

As a consequence of globalisation, the marketing of places has grown in importance as countries, regions and individual destinations compete with one another to attract investment and visitors. In order to compete effectively, it is essential to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) and ensure these are incorporated into one's strategic planning. An extensive review of the literature covering place and destination marketing indicates that image and identity play an important role in differentiating between objectively similar alternatives. Accordingly, the branding of destinations has become of major importance and is analysed in depth. Thirty-three factors are identified, clustered into four categories, that may be considered CSFs to be taken into account when developing tourism strategies and plans.