Integral Tourism Destination Planning in the Cusco Valley

Abstract

Given the importance of sustainability planning and development issues in the tourism and hospitality industry, this paper applies the POTI (Integral Tourism Destination Planning) methodology, developed by GercInartur Consultancy in the Cusco Valley in Perú. In a context of an overcrowded north Cusco Valley in 2009 travel agencies, tour operators, tourists and local authorities initiated a search towards new attractions and diversification of the tourism supply. This report describes the features of the POTI tourism destination planning, as a methodology for leading destination management Planning processes, and analyses its application in the Quispicanchi Province in Peru.

The POTI Strategic Destination Planning process is guided by the belief that destination management is a shared responsibility: no single stakeholder group is solely responsible for generating impacts or preserving the destination’s natural and cultural heritage. The aim is to develop meaningful experiences to travellers and improve the quality of life of residents. This study provides practical experience in partnership for destination tourism strategic plans under the responsible tourism approach. Key areas are community participation, local economic development, cultural and natural conservation, product development and strategic infrastructure planning.