About Destinations International
We believe that destination organizations positively impact local communities as a dynamic place to visit, live and work. As such, Destinations International, the global association for destination professionals, elevates tourism by educating, equipping, empowering and connecting its members to better fulfill their missions and achieve positive results around the world.
Destinations International and Destinations International Foundation thrive...
Core Pillars
Community
Destinations International fosters a strong, global community of travel and tourism professionals and promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices. We enable our nearly 1,000 member organizations and business partners from around the world to connect, share insights and network, all aimed at helping their individual communities thrive.
Destination Tools
We offer a suite of products built on best practices, insights and research. We work to raise the effectiveness of destination organizations; increase relevancy among the destination’s community; elevate the level of professionalism through certification and accreditation; and provide actionable best practices and strategies for the sustainable success of destinations.
Professional Development
We are the definitive resource for professional development within the destination marketing and management industry. We offer ongoing educational opportunities both in-person and online and are committed to providing professional development and lifelong learning for our members
Advocacy & Research
Destinations International is the collective voice of destination organizations, supporting destinations on issues big and small. We strive to be champions for our members and recognize the importance of keeping them abreast of marketplace challenges and opportunities. We educate, equip and empower our members to advocate on behalf of their destination organizations and communities. We use our collective voice to elevate and advance the mission, goals and efforts of organizations. We are constantly expanding industry knowledge, introducing new ideas and developing forward-focused research and relevant data.
2025 Core Priorities for Destinations International
Strategic Planning
- Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- Global Strategy Development
- Business Development Strategy
- Comprehensive Marketing and Communications Plan
Community Engagement
- Membership Engagement and Growth
- Feedback and Resource Accessibility
- Partnership Expansion
- Global Engagement Initiatives
- Enhanced Board and Committee Engagement
Research and Enhanced Member Resources
- Undertake pivotal studies in four areas:
- Our industry’s future (including the DestinationNEXT Futures Study)
- Address our member’s impact (including reports that build upon the Destination Promotion: A Catalyst for Community Vitality study)
- Targeted research that addresses the concerns raised by those who oppose investing in destination promotion and look at trends in resident sentiment
- Addressing issues that block success by members (including the Destination Perception Study)
Products and Tools
- Expand and Enhance Products and Tools
Professional Development
- Expand and Enhance Programs
- Global and Accessibility Review
- Meetings and Events Innovations
Operational Enhancements
- Internal Processes and Efficiency
Reports & Business Plan
2024 Association Annual Report
In 2024, we welcomed 91 new and re-engaged members, reaching 755 destination members worldwide and expanding our global presence to 32 countries and territories. We are particularly proud to have achieved a record membership retention rate of 94.8%.
2024 Foundation Annual Report
Over the past year, the foundation has made significant strides in advancing the critical priorities of our industry—social inclusion, destination stewardship, global accessibility, professional development and advocacy-driven research.
2025 Business Plan
This plan reinforces our role as the leading global resource for destination organizations. Centered around our core pillars—Community, Advocacy & Research, Destination Tools, and Professional Development—we aim to solidify our global influence through deepened member engagement and innovative resource development.
Destination Stewardship: Leave No Destination Behind
This roadmap is a high-level, visual representation of Destinations International’s journey over a long period. It lays the groundwork for more detailed planning, aligning various departments and stakeholders around a shared vision and objectives.
