Multi-Scalar Interactions in Tourism Policy
Tourism policy does not operate in isolation at any one scale but involves interactions across these levels. Policies at one level can affect or be affected by policies at another. For example, global climate agreements may influence national policies on sustainable tourism, while local policies may respond to national initiatives or global tourism trends.
Top-Down Influence
- Definition: Policies set at higher levels (global or national) often influence the decisions made at lower levels (regional or local). National governments may implement international agreements, which are then applied locally.
- Example: International climate accords, such as the Paris Agreement, influence national policies on reducing carbon emissions, leading to regional and local tourism initiatives like promoting low-carbon tourism in cities or regions.
Bottom-Up Influence
- Definition: Local initiatives and innovations in tourism policy can shape broader regional or national policies. Success at the local level can serve as a model for policies adopted at higher levels.
- Example: Community-based tourism initiatives in Nepal have influenced national policies promoting eco-tourism, showcasing how grassroots approaches can have broader policy implications.
Horizontal Coordination
- Definition: Policies at the same scale (e.g., between different regions or countries) often require coordination to ensure consistent and effective tourism management, especially when destinations share resources or tourists.
- Example: The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) coordinates tourism policy across the Caribbean region to promote a unified image and manage shared resources like beaches and marine parks.