Media Contact: Tim Smith
[email protected]
1.425.577.4499
Destinations International Launches LA Wildfire Recovery Fund to Support Los Angeles Community
More than $100,000 raised in first 72 hours
Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2025)—Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading and most respected association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has launched the Destinations International LA Wildfire Recovery Fund, a dedicated initiative to provide relief and support to the Los Angeles community as it faces the devastating impact of ongoing wildfires.
The wildfires in the Los Angeles region have caused unprecedented destruction, with reports of at least 24 fatalities, loss of over 12,000 structures and widespread mandatory evacuations affecting more than 150,000 residents. Widespread power and water outages have further compounded the challenges.
In response, Destinations International, alongside the Destinations International Foundation, committed to taking immediate action and launched the Destinations International LA Wildfire Recovery Fund with initial contributions of $10,000 from each of the two organizations.
The initiative was met with immediate, overwhelming support from industry leaders and partners and already has secured commitments of more than $100,000, including the following donations:
• Visit Baltimore: $10,000
• Visit Greater Palm Springs: $10,000
• IMEX Group: $10,000
• Visit West Hollywood: $10,000
• Visit Anaheim: $10,000
• Visit Newport Beach: $10,000
• Hunden Partners: $10,000
• Longwoods International: $5,000
• Meet Boston: $5,000
• Visit Seattle: $5,000
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from Destinations International members and partners, as well as the broader tourism industry,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “This recovery fund underscores the strength of our community and our shared commitment to standing with Los Angeles in its time of need.”
“As an industry, we understand that when one community suffers, we all feel the impact,” said Chelsea Dunlop Welter, Managing Director of the Destinations International Foundation. “Together, we will ensure that Los Angeles emerges stronger from this tragedy.”
The Destinations International Foundation will work closely with Adam Burke, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and Kristin McGrath, CDME, Executive Director of Visit Pasadena, to identify the most impactful allocation of funds in the coming weeks and months.
How to Help
Destinations International invites its members, partners and the public to contribute to the Destinations International LA Wildfire Recovery Fund. 100% of all donations will go directly toward recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Donations can be made online here. For more information or to get involved, please contact Chelsea Dunlop Welter at [email protected].
Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation last year raised more than $70,000 to assist communities in the southeastern United States impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. All donations were directed to World Central Kitchen, a group founded by Chef Jose Andres that provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises.
###
About Destinations International
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected 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 the Destinations International Foundation
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination organizations globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The Foundation is classified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and all donations are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.destinationsinternational.org/about-foundation.
