Shared governance in community-oriented tourist destinations: An exploratory case study

Abstract

Shared governance is vital for managing community-oriented tourism destinations and promoting stakeholder empowerment through collaboration, participatory decision making, and sustainable development. However, its practical implementation is complex due to varying levels of engagement and governance challenges. This study examines the collaborative dynamics of shared governance in community-oriented tourism, focusing on factors influencing stakeholder engagement, difficulties in implementation, and impacts on sustainability and community empowerment. Conducted in Ormoc City, Philippines, the qualitative research involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 13 stakeholders, including local government, tourism associations, businesses, and community groups. The thematic analysis highlighted that effective shared governance relies on multi-stakeholder engagement, strong public-private partnerships, trust, accountability, and clear roles. Challenges include conflicting priorities, resource constraints, power imbalances, and bureaucratic barriers. Despite these obstacles, shared governance fosters tourism sustainability by enhancing organization, inclusive decision-making, creating livelihood opportunities, and promoting community-led conservation. Policymakers should strengthen stakeholder coordination, develop equitable resource distribution, and address systemic challenges to improve effectiveness. These insights are valuable for local governments and tourism leaders aiming for sustainable tourism and community empowerment.