The Application of the Concept of Multi-Level Governance to the Development of Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Poland’s Pomorskie Voivodeship

Concepts of multi-level governance (MLG) are increasingly used in the development of tourism destinations. Such a development assumes cooperation of stakeholders located at various administrative and functional levels. The purpose of this article is to define the major characteristics of MLG concept and to present how it was applied in the Pomorskie Voivodeship, which is an attractive destination located on the Polish side of the Baltic Sea coast. The paper emphasizes the importance of strategies and strategic programmes as tools for tourism development. Furthermore, organizational options for successful stakeholder collaboration and optimal use of the region’s tourist potential are presented. The research reveals that the Voivodeship Self-government plays a key role in the multi-level tourism governance system, serving as an inspirer, investor, and coordinator.