The future of tourism destination management: building productive coalitions of actor networks for complex destination development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an enhanced understanding of the evolution of actor networks for destination development. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on observations and field notes of the authors regarding evolving organizational structures in the Dutch tourism industry and the conceptualization of this stepwise evolutionary process. Findings The authors observe and conceptualize recurring patterns in the ways in which coalitions emerge and develop (Figure 1) and which activities they pursue. Originality/value New insights are provided into the emergence and evolution of multi-actor networks that are driven by sustainable destination development. These insights are useful learnings for other destinations that pursue similar goals.