Tourism destination management has significant importance in
controlling many impacts of tourism, thus insuring its
sustainability. Destination management requires the integration
of different planning tools, approaches and concepts that help
shape the management and daily operation of tourism related
activities. This study examines the sustainable management of a
tourism destination, focusing on County Clare, Ireland.
Qualitative interviews were conducted with tourism
stakeholders. Additionally a theoretical framework incorporating
the various elements that emerged from the theory was also
utilised to examine existing tourism strategies and plans.
Stakeholders all agreed it would be an advantage to have a
Destination Management Office (DMO) lead that would coordinate
destination management. However, it was found many
tourism visions lack consistency and a timeframe with only a few
addressing sustainability itself. Also the multiple regulations and
guidelines identified by the framework were not communicated
effectively to both stakeholders and policy makers when
managing tourism in County Clare.