Open source
To truly implement Wonderful KPIs, destinations are called to embrace a dynamic, inclusive, and imaginative approach, one that sparks collaboration and joy throughout the process. These KPIs are not meant to replace existing indicators, but to expand the lens through which we define success in tourism, adding new perspectives that reflect what truly matters to communities and visitors alike. Grounded in the principles of public participation, adaptability, and creativity, this methodology ensures that all voices, especially those often overlooked, are heard and valued in shaping a more meaningful and regenerative future for tourism.
Steps
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1. Listen deeply, map relationships,
co-create with all -
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2. Define what truly matters
with creativity and care -
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3. Design Wonderful KPIs that stay alive
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4. Steward KPIs in community
(Wonderful KPIs Circles) -
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5. Visualize, storytell, and activate
change from data -
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6. Celebrate and Connect Globally: Share, learn, and grow the movement
Methodology
Listen deeply, map relationships, co-create with all
Use storytelling, interactive workshops, and creative data collection tools (e.g., Memories from the Future) to gather diverse perspectives. Map those organizations that could potentially help measuring the Wonderful KPIs to make them part of the process from the beginning.
Map relationships between communities, visitors and ecosystems.
Amplify marginalized voices, including Indigenous peoples, youth and elders.
Honor non-human perspectives using Rights of Nature principles.
2. Define what truly matters, with creativity and care
Go beyond traditional metrics. Imagine and dream new indicators that measure relational, cultural, and ecological wellbeing and tourism success.
Brainstorm boldly, then refine to focus on useful, meaningful, and measurable KPIs.
3. Design Wonderful KPIs
Develop poetic metrics and living indicators for what cannot easily be measured (e.g., sense of belonging, joy).
Define who will steward and measure each KPI, leverage community and cross-sector collaboration (NGOs, academia, citizen groups, etc).Ensure KPIs touch various data points (quantitative and qualitative).
Create KPI stewardship circles — community groups that steward, review, and adapt KPIs over time.
4. Steward KPIs in community
(KPI Circles)
Establish governance mechanisms for revising KPIs as challenges and needs evolve.Formalize KPI Stewardship Circles as inclusive spaces for ongoing reflection and revision.
Integrate youth, indigenous leadership, business, local government, nature stewards and all those often unheard.
Ensure transparent, participatory governance of tourism KPIs linked to broader city and climate action plans.
Set up interactive digital spaces for real-time feedback (e.g., apps, public displays).
5. Visualize, tell the story, and activate change from data
Transform data into engaging visualizations, immersive storytelling, and art (e.g., augmented reality, creative placemaking).
Develop joyful, accessible dashboards for residents, visitors, and policymakers.
Connect KPI insights to practical actions and regenerative tourism strategies.
Use data storytelling to inspire investment, collaboration, and policy innovation.
6. Celebrate and Connect Globally: Share, learn, and grow the movement
Organize annual “Festival of Wonderful KPIs” — a public celebration of KPI findings through art, music, food, and stories.
Celebrate unexpected positive outcomes (e.g., renewed friendships, revived ecosystems).
Share KPIs and stories as open-source knowledge, contributing to a Global Wonderful KPIs Atlas
Participate in global exchanges and peer reviews to learn from other cities’ innovations.
Share your Wonderful KPI
If you could measure what truly matters , what captures the essence and soul of the place you call home, what would you choose to measure? What would your Wonderful KPI be?