Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.37741/t.68.3.4
Destination management organisations as meta-designers: Insights from Germany and Montenegro
Monika Bachinger
orcid.org/0000-0001-5705-8594
; University of Applied Forest Sciences Rottenburg, Rottenburg, Germany
Ana Tripković Marković
orcid.org/0000-0001-5125-0147
; Municipality of Budva, Budva, Montenegro
Abstract
DMOs increasingly find themselves managing complex socio-technological systems. They face 'wicked problems' at the point where humans and technological systems intersect. Such problems require the remit of DMOs to grow from its current status of meta-management into the new concept of meta-design. Whereas meta-management relies on strategic planning and a predictable future, meta-design takes into account unpredictable dynamics of destinations as experience production systems. The term meta-design implies designing design; it targets those structures and processes in destinations that facilitate the co-production of tourism experiences. Based on a survey in Germany and Montenegro this paper investigates whether, and to what degree, DMOs practice meta-design, what factors characterise their meta-design and what circumstances drive them to take on the task of meta-design. Results show that only a small number of DMOs in both countries practice meta-design. The DMOs who adhere most closely to such a role operate at a superordinate geographical level. Digitalisation and user-centeredness are important features of meta-design; however, DMOs realise both of these features to different degrees. Contact with service providers along with available networking resources influence DMOs to practice meta-design. Differences exist between Montenegro and Germany due to their markets and normative settings. In discussing these results, some practical recommendations and further fields of research have been formulated.
Keywords
destination management; design science; meta-management; digitalisation; user-centeredness; networks
Hrčak ID:
241354
URI
Publication date:
21.7.2020.
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