The TDG Barometer: A Self‐Assessment Tool to Integrate Quality in the Measurement of Tourism Destination Governance

Abstract

Despite the significance of governance, few instruments are available to assess its practices in tourist destinations. This research endeavors to address that gap by proposing the tourist destination governance barometer (TDG barometer), a measurement tool that includes all governance dimensions. The objective is to provide destination authorities with a self‐assessment instrument that will enhance their understanding of governance practices and ultimately lead to improved management. The TDG barometer encompasses seven governance dimensions: participation, coherence, openness, effectiveness, responsibility, know‐how/quality, and simplicity. Comprising 31 attributes, the model is designed to be consistent, holistic, intensive, weighted, referable, comparable, and easy to apply. The final version of the TDG barometer has undergone rigorous evaluation by a panel of experts. It has been tested in a national organization evaluated with the EFQM excellence management model. Notably, the TDG barometer can be integrated with the EFQM model, enhancing its utility and effectiveness in destination management.