Expanding Advocacy Beyond Government
Resident Sentiment as a Success Metric Residents are no longer passive stakeholders; they are active arbiters of legitimacy. Destination leaders must continuously demonstrate how tourism enhances quality of life and shared prosperity. Countering Opposition with Community Benefits Proactive advocacy highlights the tangible value tourism brings to residents—through cultural vitality, enhanced amenities and improved infrastructure—strengthening trust and neutralizing opposition. Industry, Community and Investor Engagement Effective advocacy bridges government, business, and community interests. The most successful destinations cultivate entrepreneurial approaches while maintaining stable public support and transparent communication. Destination advocacy is no longer confined to lobbying policymakers; it now extends directly into the community and across industries. The DNEXT Futures Study emphasizes that funding stability and long-term legitimacy depend on building broad-based support. This means that destination advocacy must speak to residents, businesses and investors alike, demonstrating visible community benefits, fostering trust and reinforcing the destination organization’s role as a steward of place.
2025 DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONNEXT FUTURES STUDY • 6 DEEP DIVE: THE ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP IMPERATIVE
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