Three complementary strategies are identified for turning a city into a successful tourism destination: 1) Measuring engagement with stakeholders to verify their investment, 2) Assessing existing infrastructure like sports arenas and developing surrounding amenities to attract more visitors, and 3) Completing visitor research to understand current popular attractions and new visitor demands to build upon strengths. The strategies were identified by JLL's Hotel & Hospitality Group executive vice president Dan Fenton based in San Jose, California.

1. Three Strategies for Turning a
City Into a Tourism Destination
By: Dan Fenton San Jose

2. Three Strategies for Turning a City Into a Tourism
Destination
Based in San Jose, California, Daniel "Dan" Fenton holds the title of executive vice president of
JLL Hotel & Hospitality Group. Dan Fenton writes articles on current trends and strategies that
affect the local hotel industry in San Jose and in destinations around the US. For Hotel
Management, he wrote a piece called, “Destination Development Requires Cooperation, Planning.”

3. Three Strategies for Turning a City Into a Tourism
Destination
The article focuses on three complementary techniques cities and regions can use to successfully
capitalize on the US travel and tourism industry. The JLL team identified the strategies, which
include “measuring engagement,” “assessing existing infrastructure,” and “getting to know your
visitors.”

4. Three Strategies for Turning a City Into a Tourism
Destination
Measuring engagement means connecting with stakeholders to verify that they are invested in the
initiative. This can include business owners, city officials, residents, and visit bureau leaders.
Examining existing infrastructure is vital to successfully developing a city’s pre-existing assets to
attract more visitors. For instance, a sports arena may be able to attract more sports fans by
adding nearby restaurants and nightlife opportunities. This directly connects with the third
complementary strategy, getting to know your visitors. Completing visitor research helps a
destination build upon its pre-existing strengths that are already popular among visitors, as well as
identify new visitor demands.