FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

Media Contact:
Caitlyn Blizzard
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1.202.835.4202

Washington, D.C., USA (August 11, 2022) – Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) today announced the launch of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Assessment Tool. The tool is designed for destination organizations to understand how EDI has been incorporated into operational practices as a basis to improve and integrate performance. The tool was first announced during the association’s 2022 Annual Convention in Toronto. For more information or to sign up for the tool, click here.

The EDI Assessment Tool is a resource for destination organization members of Destinations International to create intentional EDI goals and track progress in the workplace and the community through data-driven metrics. Destinations will have the opportunity to assess workplace dynamics, operations and policies, vendor selection, community engagement, and accessibility-related strategies. 

“Many destination organizations recognize the value of incorporating EDI principles into their brand, but it is often hard to know where to start,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “This tool will set standard metrics across the industry for our members to keep track of progress being made in the areas of EDI.”

The tool will create awareness and discussion about how to develop and implement intentional EDI strategies for destination organizations of all budget sizes around the globe. It will also provide members with the capability to filter their results by comparable budget size, geography, tourism asset, and more.

“We have recognized the need for authentic EDI initiatives in our industry and have discussed the need for accountability through measurement and metrics,” said Sophia Hyder Hock, chief diversity officer at Destinations International. “This assessment will provide our destination members with the ability to have a baseline understanding about EDI initiatives as it relates to their workplace, policies and operations, vendors, community, and accessibility plans. We are grateful for the partnership with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) which sparked the idea to create this groundbreaking tool for our industry.”

For more information or to sign up for the tool, click here.

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