30 Under 30
The 30 Under 30 program champions early-career leaders by cultivating a global network for professional development and innovation. Through collaboration, education and deep industry exposure, 30 Under 30 ensures talent growth and drives the tourism industry’s evolving workforce.
A dedicated group of alumni taking a leadership role in the future program.
Applications are Now Open!
Applications for the 2026 30 Under 30 class are officially live! See the application requirements and scoring rubric below.
Application deadline: January 20, 2026
Program Benefits
- Meaningful Connections: Join a tight-knit cohort of peers, building relationships that open doors, spark collaboration and support you throughout your career. The experience culminates with in-person connection at DI’s Annual Convention in July.
- Future-Ready Professional Development: Participate in a monthly workshop series designed to strengthen your leadership, personal development and industry skills. Gain discounted access to DI certificates and micro-courses to help you advance and stay rooted in tourism for the long term.
- Elevate Your Voice: Share your perspective through thought leadership opportunities and speaking engagements, gaining visibility across the global destination community.
- Nurture the Future: Participate in DI’s Mentorship Program and serve as a mentor to Pathways to Success scholarship recipients, shaping the next wave of talent entering our industry.
Criteria & Requirements
Please ensure you meet the below criteria before submitting your application.
Criteria
- Must be under the age of 30 on January 20, 2026.
- Must presently work for a destination organization that is in good standing of Destinations International.
- Must have been an employee at your current organization for at least 18 months at the time of application submission. Must have been in your current role for at least one year.
- Only one individual from an organization will be chosen if multiple applicants from the same organization are nominated.
Requirements
- Nominees must have department leader or CEO support. This includes permission to take time to engage in year-round programming.
- Must be able to attend Annual Convention. All costs related to Annual Convention with the exception of hotel and registration expenses must be covered by employer.
- Participate in monthly virtual leadership workshop series.
- Serve as a mentor for Pathways to Success scholarship recipients.
- Commit to volunteer to serve on DI Committee in 2027.
Honoring the future leaders of the destination promotion industry, the class of 2025 hails from 30 destinations across four countries.
Past Honorees
Since 2011, the 30 Under 30 program has offered 450 honorees the opportunity to enhance their career and professional development.
Destinations International Foundation
Invest in the Future You Help Shape
Our 30 Under 30 program thrives because of a simple yet powerful idea: when we all invest in the same pot we draw from, we build a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry. By contributing to the 30 Under 30 Fund, members directly support the rising leaders who will define tomorrow’s success.
Your investment—no matter the size—helps provide meaningful professional development, mentorship and recognition opportunities for early career talent across our community. Join us in fueling the pipeline of future innovators and take pride in knowing that the impact you make today will echo throughout our industry for years to come.
Founding Partner
