Destinations International is committed to creating spaces and places in the travel industry that promote a true sense of welcoming and belonging for people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. As human beings we can empathize what it feels like to receive a warm smile, to connect, and to feel like you can safely and responsibly immerse yourself into the intricate fabric of a destination.  

Using this mindset, we acknowledge the array of identities that exist in this world and that every person should be valued and treated in an equitable manner. To us, this means we recognize that each person has different life circumstances and abilities, and we will do our best to allocate resources to reach an equal outcome of opportunity and respect for all.  

We realize that the world is constantly evolving with many diverse perspectives and identities contributing to this industry. To align with newfound knowledge, we will keep an open mind and acknowledge the mosaic of identities as they arise through the characteristics we were born with, experiences we have had, and the choices we have made in our lifetime. Our working definition of diversity includes and is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual/romantic attraction, religious affiliation, political belief, dietary selection and preference, mental and physical abilities, neurodiversity, age, thinking styles, body size and appearance, hair texture, socioeconomic status, marital status, parental status, language, spoken accents, and educational levels.  

As we recognize the importance of equity and the diverse identities that make up the world, we strive to create spaces where people feel included, respected, feel seen, feel heard, feel valued, and feel like they belong.  

Our association is committed to transforming destination and member communities through the principles of welcoming and belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion so their destinations and places of work are true reflections of their communities.  

We do this by listening, developing brave spaces for discussion to take place, ensuring all verticals of our work incorporate these principles, collecting data and feedback to produce research, creating measurable tools to help our members implement initiatives with accountability, curating education and resources, partnering and collaborating with organizations and experts to offer niche programming, and tailoring facilitated dialogues, training, EDI assessments and related services to provide our members with trusted guidance for true economic and social transformation.