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Destinations International Launches Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign and Website
Aim is to educate policymakers, elected officials, media and the public on the importance and impact of destination organizations
Tampa, Florida, USA (July 17, 2024) – Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading resource for destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), today announced the launch of the “Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign,” a public facing advocacy effort to foster better understanding of the important role and impact of destination organizations in their communities.
Destinations International developed the campaign as part of its ongoing work to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the significant role of destination organizations that extends well beyond the immediate effect on the travel and hospitality industry. This includes the publication earlier this year of “Destination Promotion: A Catalyst for Community Vitality,” a report that identifies destination organizations as uniquely positioned to help drive positive transformation in the local community.
"The Destination Effect is achieved by using destination promotion to transform a location into a destination,” said Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International. “A destination is where people want to visit, live, work, play, and invest. Together, these are the indicators of community vitality – a community’s energy, liveliness, drive and ambition. The work of destination organizations is to be the catalyst for community vitality, and they are uniquely positioned to do it. We are grateful for the support of our partner Tempest in this important initiative.”
The campaign will offer a range of materials developed by Destinations International and its members, including key industry research, case studies, and powerful storytelling. These materials will be made available on the campaign website, www.thedestinationeffect.com, which launched today and will continue to be expanded and refreshed to become the one essential stop for those seeking to learn more about our industry sector as well as those who seek to improve their community by incorporating the best practices from destination organizations around the world. The website will host links to resources of interest to policy makers and elected officials such as industry briefs, blogposts, and podcasts from the membership of Destinations International, peer organizations, other non-profit policy centers, academia, along with a wide range of other sources.
“Tempest is proud to support Destinations International on this important initiative,” said Gregg Shapiro, President and Chief Creative Officer of Tempest. “As the role of destination organizations evolves, they are positioned to be a true catalyst for the local community through destination brand stewardship. There is no other entity with the skills, knowledge, expertise and relationships to play this role. We see the Destination Effect website as a powerful tool that will help inform and educate stakeholders on the importance and value of destination organizations to the local community.”
The Destination Effect Website is a Destinations International initiative made possible with the generous support of one of its partners, Tempest. Tempest is a multifaceted agency and destination organization advocate that strengthens communities through the innovation and activation of web, marketing, and cloud software solutions.
More information on the Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign is available online at thedestinationeffect.com.
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About Destinations International
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
About Tempest
Tempest provides CRM, Web and Digital Marketing solutions that empower innovative Destination Organizations to grow and make a positive impact in their communities. For more information, www.tempest.im.
About the Author
Tim Smith has 20+ years of strategic communications experience spanning roles in government, industry, agency and association settings. Most recently, he led corporate communications for Delaware North, a global leader in travel, hospitality and entertainment. Previously, he was Managing Director – West Coast at APCO Worldwide and Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Edelman, providing clients with senior communications and public affairs counsel. He has lived and worked outside the United States for more than a decade, including as a U.S. diplomat tasked with promoting trade and investment.
As Vice President of Communications, Tim is responsible for development and execution of strategic communications to support the association’s mission, enhance and elevate brand, and strengthen impact. He serves as primary contact for media and manages communication with global stakeholders, including association leaders, members, policymakers, media, academia, tourism industry and staff.
Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and PRSA Puget Sound, among others. He has three grown children and currently resides with his wife outside of Buffalo, New York.