Destination planning is one of the most important systems for obtaining positive outcomes from tourism. Overtourism has become the buzzword of our profession, and this is driving positive momentum.
EplerWood International co-produced the insightful report, Destinations at Risk, The Invisible Burden with the Cornell Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise supported by the Travel Foundation. This report guides the type of systematic thinking that is required develop a destination sustainably.
Projects funded by the Travel Foundation, GIZ, U.S. Dept of Interior/Homeland Security:
EWI consults with destinations to manage tourism growth by applying science-based metrics supported by Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Clients approaching EplerWood International should consider to what extent tourism is using vital local resources and how to measure the costs associated with the invisible burden:
Services available through EplerWood International include:
1) An ISTI Framework study to measure resources and infrastructure in use by tourism in accord as part of larger Paris Accord and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requirements. CLICK HERE
2) Review of where investment is required to green the local destination economy
3) Review of how government can establish data driven systems to manage vital tourism assets on behalf of the nation
Clients approaching EWI should consider if they seek to manage SMART Destinations (ISTI links) using mapped graphic systems that can benchmark data.
Megan Epler Wood has fostered a Regional Planning and Geodesign for Tourism Project at Harvard since 2016 to enable wise management of tourism’s land and marine impacts working with team members Dr. Vicente Moles and Dr. Stephen Ervin.
- A course on sustainable tourism, regional planning and geodesign is offered annually at Harvard Extension.
- The first test of this system was undertaken for the U.S. Federal Government in a post-disaster setting, Puerto Rico.
- Current tests of the system are to begin in 2020 as part of larger programs by governments to manage tourism using GIS.
Services available through EplerWood International include:
1) Joint development of base map evaluation systems with local planners
2) Geodesign participatory consultation at the destination level
3) Strategic Plans based on Geodesign consultations
4) Benchmarking of data required to manage vital tourism resources at local level in GIS systems