Umeå universitets logga

Tourism is not only one of the world's fastest growing industries but also verycompetitive. To be able to run a competitive and attractive tourist destination, itis extremely important that the cooperation between all actors works. Manyresearchers claim that a functioning destination management is the cornerstoneof a successful and sustainable tourist destination. However, this cooperationbetween different actors, whether it is the private or the official sector can bemore difficult if a destination is divided by administrative boundaries. As many tourist destinations around the world are divided by administrativeboundaries, it is important to gain a better understanding of how theseadministrative areas and borders can affect tourism planning and destinationdevelopment. Already in the 20th century, researchers recognized thatcooperation between different municipal levels is of great importance, as this isthe only way to achieve a competitive tourist destination. Now that tourism is oneof the world's fastest growing industries and often also people's only source ofincome, it is even more important that the collaboration between different actorswithin a destination works. Collaboration is the foundation of a long-termattractive and competitive tourist destination.Despite a well-functioning destination management, this does not mean thateverything works as it should. Tourism is a complex phenomenon that requiressignificantly more understanding than just a functioning destination management.Tourism is part of an entire form of society that requires a deep understanding,which many actors often fail to do.