In the context of management, it is important to consider that tourist destination is a complex system that goes through the phases of the life cycle. It monitors the movement of tourist activity for a longer period and at the same time represents the basis for defining the basic management dimensions and elements. Depending on the phase of the life cycle and the existing efficiency of the development model, it is possible to choose one or more development strategies. The choice of destination system development strategy is only partially determined by the phase of the life cycle in which destination is located. The choice of development strategy depends also on a numerous other factors, such as strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the capabilities of the destination system, as well as the desired goals and vision of development. This can be confirmed by concrete examples of destination systems that are discussed in this paper. Although all destinations are in a phase of growth or expansion, it is evident that they apply different strategies and development models. The subject research seeks to confirm the complexity of destination system management, as well as the importance of the life cycle in planning their development. Based on the conducted research, it is possible to propose future research in the context of the impact of external factors, such as the Covid 19 epidemic, on the life cycle phase, models and development strategies