Destination management and destination marketing: the platform for excellence in tourism destinations.

Destination management and destination marketing are relatively new phenomena in tourism professional practice and in the tourism literature. They have now, however, become recognized as being integral to the success of a tourism destination. This article traces the history of the scholarly literature development and professional practice in destination management and destination marketing since around the 1980s. The two concepts are explained in detail, as are the roles of destination management organizations (DMOs). A critical assessment of the current status of destination management and destination marketing in China is provided. Specific improvements in destination management and destination marketing practices are identified.