Destinations International Foundation Achieves 2025 Fundraising Goal
Strong industry support advances 2025 programs and positions the foundation to expand impact in 2026
POTOMAC FALLS, Va., U.S. (Jan. 12, 2026) – The Destinations International Foundation announced today that it has exceeded its 2025 fundraising goal, marking another exceptional year of support for the global destination organization community.
With a goal of $1,103,800, the foundation has raised $1,136,427, reflecting extraordinary generosity from industry leaders, partners and supporters. These investments have powered key foundation initiatives throughout 2025 and will directly fund programs shaping the destination sector in 2026.
2025 Foundation-supported initiatives included:
Funding industry-defining research such as Destination Reputation: Responding to Societal Issues, providing destination organizations with actionable insights on how public sentiment, safety and societal factors influence meetings and events demand.
Supporting the United States and Canada National Resident Sentiment Studies, offering destination leaders critical data on resident perceptions of tourism’s benefits and challenges.
Advancing workforce development and inclusion through programs such as the 30 Under 30 and Pathways to Success (formerly HBCU scholarship initiative) programs, helping reduce barriers for underrepresented students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.
Expanding professional development through creation of the DI Virtual Education Series with focused learning resources and online micro sessions, enabling destination professionals to better understand and apply emerging technologies and digital tools in their organizations.
Building on this momentum, foundation investments in 2026 will support:
Expanded global research and insight initiatives to help destination organizations strengthen advocacy, understand resident sentiment, assess destination ecosystems, and articulate organizational and community value across diverse markets.
Continued investment in leadership development, accreditation, and access opportunities through scholarships, travel support, and professional education—ensuring broad participation from small destinations, state and association partners, and global members.
Further advancement of impact measurement, executive leadership resources, and compensation research to better define the social, economic, and community impact of destination organizations and the evolving value of destination leadership.
Ongoing enhancement of digital engagement, AI-driven tools, and technology-enabled experiences—improving event performance, online usability, and member connection to ensure relevance and accessibility for a global membership.
“This achievement speaks to the strength of our community and the shared belief in the mission of the Destinations International Foundation,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “The foundation’s success allows us to invest in the research, talent and technology-focused education that destination organizations need – not just today, but well into the future. I extend my sincere thanks to both board chair Martha J. Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston, and past-chair Amir Eylon, president & CEO, partner, Longwoods International, for their leadership, as well as to the many past and present board trustees who helped us achieve this goal through their passion, commitment and hard work.”
“Surpassing our 2025 goal demonstrates the industry’s commitment to learning, innovation and leadership,” said Sheridan, who also underscored the lasting impact of these investments: “Thanks to this support, the foundation is funding meaningful work today and expanding its impact in 2026, including new education and training resources that help our organizations adapt and thrive.”
At its last meeting of 2025, the foundation board also recognized the leadership and contributions of Chelsea Dunlop Welter, senior vice president for Governance and Administration and managing director, Foundation Strategy, for her essential role in supporting the continued success of the foundation.
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.