Abstract:
Tourism destination governance is pivotal for managing diverse interests
by involving multiple stakeholders. This study employs a qualitative single-case
approach to evaluate tourism destination governance in the Afadzato South
District. Data were collected from 21 participants, comprising 7 public and 14
private sector representatives, between April 20th and May 2, 2021, using
thematic analysis. The study classifies actors into state and non-state actors. State
actors primarily assume supervisory roles within a hierarchical structure,
contributing to peace and stability. Non-state actors engage in resource
identification, attraction development, and visitor management. The significance
of Regulation L.I. 2393 is also examined. Collaboration among actors is
categorized into four types, emphasizing the importance of collaboration both as
individual units and as businesses. Power relations reveal legitimate power for
state actors, land ownership for certain community members, and the power of
traditional and cultural values in cultural preservation and conservation. The
challenges in governance include stakeholder misunderstandings of tourism, weak
and undefined structures, collaboration issues, inadequate road access, land
disputes, environmental degradation, cultural preservation, and deficits in social
capital. The study recommends that state actors adopt a more inclusive, bottom-up
approach, reduce the use of excessive legislative powers, and strengthen
collaborations. The community is encouraged to adhere to traditional and cultural
values to preserve their unique culture and environmental resources to help
distinguish the destination.
