Applying the ecosystem approach 3 The sector’s transformation at scale, as highlighted earlier, requires coordinated action by multiple stakeholders. Although fragmented approaches are often the norm, there is compelling evidence from global, national and local examples that systematic ecosystem coordination delivers significant impact and drives change. In the following case studies, nine destinations show how coordination in practice transforms challenges into opportunities. Each example clarifies the core problem that threatened system coherence, the ecosystem coordination approach adopted, the specific enablers that were activated and the impact metrics and qualitative outcomes achieved. 3.1 Case studies of ecosystem tourism developmentGlobal success stories demonstrate how ecosystem coordination delivers measurable value at different scales. CASE STUDY 1 Portugal: Rebalancing tourism through whole-of-economy coordination Challenge: Increased friction – visitors vs. residents Enablers used: Infrastructure; finance; technology and innovation; people and skills; policy and governance When Portugal emerged from the 2008 global financial crisis, its tourism sector faced the tension points of geographical concentration and community resistance. Arrivals rebounded rapidly, but growth concentrated heavily in Lisbon and Porto, creating congestion in airports and urban districts while leaving much of the interior underdeveloped.29 Competing ministries planned separately. Transport authorities prioritized airport expansion, environmental agencies imposed disconnected regulations and regional governments competed for investment without alignment. Local communities expressed growing concern over the impact of overtourism on housing, services and cultural authenticity. Without coordination, tourism risked widening economic disparities, undermining sustainability and eroding public support. Portugal addressed these pressures by embedding tourism in a national coordination effort that cut across all key levers. Airport, rail, coastal management and regional growth strategies were planned in tandem through interministerial committees.30 A dedicated Tourism Investment Fund combined European structural funds, state capital and private investment with projects screened for competitiveness, environmental sustainability and community impact.31 Digital platforms connected small enterprises to broader marketing and booking systems. National hotel schools and training institutes aligned with employer needs and portable credentials from across the European Union were recognized, improving labour mobility.32 The national tourism strategy drew input from more than 1,700 stakeholders including small businesses, municipalities, environmental groups and investors, which strengthened legitimacy.33 Tourism receipts more than doubled between 2010 and 2019, and the sector’s contribution to GDP reached 15%.34 More than 400,000 jobs were directly linked to tourism. Visitor flows diversified geographically, with northern and central Portugal increasing their share of overnight stays from 28% to 36%, reducing pressure on Lisbon and Porto.35 Resident satisfaction with tourism rose in surveys. Jointly developed sustainability certification schemes now cover hundreds of operators and coastal planning, and visitor dispersal reduced pressure on the Algarve and Lisbon waterfronts.36 Beyond Tourism: Coordinated Pathways to Inclusive Prosperity 14

Beyond Tourism Coordinated Pathways to Inclusive Prosperity 2025