Can the SOAR Framework Elevate the Quality of Destination Development?

Why does tourism need its own strategic development model?Each destination is unique, and is at a different stage of its lifecycle. And tourism isn't even an industry, it is a collection of services. Yet, most countries, regions or cities deploy standard models such as SWOT that were developed for companies and organisations whose functions and objectives are entirely different. In this week's show, Gary and Jens discuss adapting specifically for tourism, the SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations & Results), which was formulated by two economists in 2009 to shift the focus from problem finding to possibility seeking. The journey takes us from Maldives, Faroe Islands and Finland to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Chile, Thailand, Japan and  South Korea. En route, we discuss whether destinations should (or shouldn't) covet ideas from their competitors, and if complementary destination partnerships are viable. Plus, what is Destination Beige, and how does it drain value from a destination? And how do you effectively measure purpose and meaning, not just arrivals and revenue?