This study delivers some explanations for and evidence from DMOS’ financing systems based on membership fees. After having discussed social science theories explaining various aspects concerning DMO financing, case studies from three Swedish destinations are presented and alternative models for DMO financing are established. Finally, membership fees are exemplarily calculated by the proposed financing models based on the value-added concept. The goal to adapt and modify historically grown DMO charging systems towards greater fairness, financial sustainability and community commitment was partly reached