抄録
The number of Destination Management/Marketing Organizations（ DMOs）, introduced in 2015 to serve as the command center for local tourism destination management, has been increasing every year in Japan. However, as a result of the establishment of guidelines for the DMO registration system in April 2020 and stricter registration requirements, some organizations have begun to have their registrations cancelled due to organizational issues. Therefore, this study focuses on the challenges of sustaining DMOs with a focus on funding and professional human resources management. In order to understand the current situation and challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study conducted an interview survey of 24 major Japanese DMOs, and analyzed and discussed the results. The results of this study revealed that many DMOs have been making various efforts, tailored to the local situation, to secure funding even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it was found that a significant number of top executives in operations are secondees from local municipalities, and that the selection of personnel, lack of funds, and improvement of salaries and other benefits remain issues in securing professional human resources.
