Abstract
This chapter delves into the realm of destination design within tourism research, where the convergence of design thinking and critical viewpoints seems to offer a promising avenue for addressing the challenges of sustainable tourism. It explores the potentials and limitations of design methodologies, particularly in the context of design thinking, while highlighting the need for a holistic approach that balances economic benefits with cultural and environmental preservation. Critics’ perspectives on design thinking and its potential to transcend capitalist paradigms are considered, emphasising the importance of considering social and environmental aspects in the pursuit of destination design.