FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Caitlyn Blizzard
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Washington, D.C., USA (July 12, 2022) – The Destinations International Foundation today announced Tourism Cares as the 2022 Spirit of Hospitality awardee. The annual Spirit of Hospitality event will be held on Thursday, July 21 at stackt market, Canada’s largest shipping container market, during the Destinations International Annual Convention.
The Spirit of Hospitality is a showcase of excellence in the tourism industry, an event that brings together industry leadership to raise funds critical to empowering destinations around the globe. The celebration is the signature fundraising event for the Destinations International Foundation, procuring important resources for critical work in the areas of research, education, advocacy and leadership development.
“The Spirit of Hospitality not only helps raise critical funds for the Destinations International Foundation which empowers destinations globally through innovative solutions to our industry’s challenges and opportunities, but also honors excellence.” said John Percy, president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “Tourism Cares has taken a bold commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion and we are pleased to honor them with the Spirit of Hospitality Award.”
Tourism Cares is dedicated to the travel industry's long-term survival by advancing its positive social, environmental and economic impact to help people and places thrive. Since its inception, Tourism Cares has been committed to creating meaningful change in the tourism industry.
“We are at a significant time in the travel industry where we need to authentically reconnect with people and respect the places we choose to visit,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “Greg and the team at Tourism Cares have been making great strides to advance our industry and we are thrilled to honor them this year as our Spirit of Hospitality awardee.”
“Tourism Cares is thrilled to be the 2022 honoree of the Spirit of Hospitality Award presented by Destinations International Foundation,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares. “We like to say that “we are the people and places of travel dedicated to the people and places of travel” and Destinations International certainly represents who we are, making this recognition so meaningful, as we collectively work to ensure travel and tourism remains a force for good. This is a critical time where destinations must balance the interests of their local communities, foster equity, diversity and inclusion principles for there to be true belonging and maintain sustainable tourism practices. The Spirit of Hospitality encompasses not only the welcoming aspect, but one of protecting a sense of place. Tourism Cares is blessed to follow in the footsteps of many dignified honorees and will set a course for future ones through uniting, inspiring and activating our community along these principles.”
Annual Convention attendees are invited to join industry peers for entertainment and live music from the Destinations International House Band, beverages, light bites and networking. There will also be a variety of lawn games throughout the venue.
All proceeds to help raise critical funds for the Destinations International Foundation which supports empowering destinations globally to excel through innovation and resource incubation. Tickets are US$50 and can be purchased here.
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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 more than 4,700 members and partners from nearly 600 destinations in approximately 15 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.