WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2025) -- Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading resource for destination organizations, has launched an expanded Virtual Education Series offering destination professionals on-demand courses designed to build skills, strengthen leadership and drive innovation across the tourism sector.
The Virtual Education Series provides quick, focused learning experiences accessible 24/7, allowing participants to learn on their own schedules. Each course is structured to be highly digestible – whether a 30-minute lesson, a short video series or a focused virtual panel – and is supported with practical tools and downloadable resources for immediate application.
“Our industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and education must evolve with it,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “The Virtual Education Series ensures destination professionals at every career stage have access to relevant, actionable training that fits seamlessly into their workday.”
The newly released courses include:
- Technology and Innovation Series – equipping destination leaders with insights into emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and their practical applications.
- Leadership Series – helping destination professionals step into or advance within leadership roles by strengthening mindsets, tools and organizational influence.
- Skills Series – delivering essential tools, techniques and soft skills needed to thrive in a competitive, fast-changing environment.
Additional offerings, including a DI Digest Series, will be released soon to further support continuous professional development.
“Professional growth has to be flexible and accessible,” said Emily Scheiderer, DI’s vice president of professional development. “These courses are designed by and for destination professionals as quick, focused and highly actionable learning experiences that fit into your schedule, ensuring that every participant walks away with knowledge and tools they can apply immediately in their role.”
The Virtual Education Series is offered at minimal cost to ensure availability to destination professionals worldwide. Individual courses are $59 for members and $79 for non-members.
The Virtual Education Series is available online at destinationsinternational.org/virtual-education-series.
Tim Smith is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience across government, industry, agency, and association sectors. He has held senior roles at Delaware North, APCO Worldwide, and Edelman, and served abroad as a U.S. diplomat promoting trade and investment. As Vice President of Communications, he leads strategy to elevate brand, support the association’s mission, and engage global stakeholders. Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on multiple boards. He lives outside Buffalo, New York, with his wife and has three grown children.