Destinations International Foundation Announces Applications Open for the 2021 30 Under 30 Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          

Media Contact:
Caitlyn Blizzard
[email protected]
1.202.835.4202

Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2021) – The Destinations International Foundation today announced a call for applications for the organization’s 2021 30 Under 30 Program. Applications are due March 1, 2021.

A diverse and inclusive workplace is central to our industry’s ability to attract, develop, and retain the talent it needs to remain competitive, drive innovation and maintain relevance. Studies on equity, diversity and inclusion show that there is an opportunity for training and education for entry and midlevel employees that would have a long-term impact to implement equity, diversity and inclusion practices and be deliberate on succession planning. Additionally, sentiment reveals that there is a need to establish best practices for this group to have a voice to foster a culture of inclusion and openness to build a sense of community within destination organizations.

Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. Each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year.

Now in its 11th year, the Destinations International Foundation’s 30 Under 30 program will deliver even more opportunities for the 2021 30 Under 30 Class including increased year-round educational programming, a mentorship program, complimentary registration to the 2021 Annual Convention and access to networking with the 30 Under 30 community.

The program is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture, MMGY Global, Northstar Meetings Group and Pandora. 

“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our industry’s future,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “The future of destination organizations worldwide remains dependent on today’s young professionals. The Destinations International Foundation continually invests in the leaders of tomorrow through professional development opportunities. We look forward to connecting with and celebrating the 30 future leaders throughout 2021 and their careers.”

“Investing in the leaders of tomorrow is critical for our industry,” said John Lambeth, President and CEO of Civitas and Chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “The foundation is committed to investing in talent development by funding and operating critical programs, such as the 30 Under 30 Program, for the future success of our industry. "We are looking forward to hosting these young leaders at the Annual Convention in July and are also excited the 30 Under 30 Alumni Council is now working and mentoring our 30 under 30 candidates!"

You may click here to view more information about this year’s program. To be considered for the 30 Under 30 program, nominees must submit an application with CEO approval by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2020. For more information and to apply, click here.

Program Benefits

  • Year-round educational programming, including monthly professional development webinars
  • Mentorship program, developed in coordination with the Alumni Council
  • Complimentary registration to 2021 Annual Convention (2020 recipients will also receive complimentary registration.)
  • Access to networking with the 30 Under 30 alumni community

Requirements/Criteria

  • Candidates must be under 30 years of age at the time of the submission deadline.
  • Must presently work for a destination organization, convention and visitors bureau (CVB) or tourism board that is a member or Global Affiliate of Destinations International at the time of the submission deadline.
  • Must be an employee of a destination organization for at least 1.5 years, with a minimum of at least six months in your current role (part-time employment and internships included) at the time of the submission deadline.
  • Nominees must have President/CEO support in order to apply for the program.
  • Submissions must include application, high-resolution headshot, resume, short essay and video.
  • Video submission must be self-produced; we are not looking for professionally produced videos by a marketing agency! Candidates are encouraged to be creative and make their video submission fun and entertaining. Additional essay and video guidelines are contained within the application.
  • Only one individual from an organization will be chosen if multiple applicants from the same destination organization are nominated.

About Destinations International:
Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. Destinations International is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with almost 6,000 members and partners from nearly 600 destinations in approximately 13 countries, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people and elevating tourism to its highest potential. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org. 

About the Destinations International Foundation:

The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination marketers globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The Foundation is classified as a charitable organization, under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and all donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.destinationsinternational.org.