DIANMOND MODEL: A theoretical framework for the sustainable development of tourism

Abstract

Aims: The overall purposes of the academic paper are the following: • To raise awareness not only of the facts, but also of the challenges that, nowadays, tourism destinations are facing in terms of controlling the influx of tourists. • To present the diamond sustainable tourism development model as a theoretical framework to approach and manage those challenges. Objectives: The objectives formulated to achieve the aims are the following: • To introduce the current situation of some of the mature tourism destinations worldwide • To compile a short list of the main causes of congestion in tourism destinations • To gather a number of real cases of negative impacts of excessive tourism • To explain the seven key elements that compound the DIAMOND MODEL Hos Tour Manage Int. 2018;1(1):6-18. 6 Abstract The paper presents the diamond sustainable tourism development model, a model that aims to provide objective criteria to help organizations to take the necessary decisions about controlling the number of visitors of a tourism destination or attraction in order to ensure an adequate development of the tourism activity that does not jeopardize the future of the tourism product itself. This paper reviews academic literature on potential negative tourism impacts and examines several models used to address the problem of tourism congestion management. The study also argues that it is necessary to give a more specific consideration to a few key elements that should be born in mind: destination carrying capacity, resident community quality of life and tourist experience.