Social Impact
Social impact is the result of measurable and enduring outcomes through welcoming and responsible tourism.
Travel and tourism has the power to create lasting change for visitors and the communities that welcome them. It fosters meaningful connections, shared experiences and economic opportunities that shape destinations for generations to come.
Social impact in the tourism industry is the measurable and long-lasting contribution destinations make to their communities, economies and environments through responsible and welcoming tourism strategies.
By demonstrating impact through outcomes, social impact ensures that travel is not only an economic driver but also a force for positive change that benefits people and places beyond the visitor experience.
Social impact is guided by four pillars:
At Destinations International, we are dedicated to fostering spaces and places within the travel industry that cultivate a true sense of community, welcoming and belonging for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the importance of all human beings and strive to create spaces where people feel included, respected, valued, seen and heard. We believe tourism serves as a force for good – one that strengthens communities and economies and that prioritizes dignity, connection and opportunity for all.
Economic Growth and Opportunity
Creating sustainable pathways for local businesses, workforce mobility and intentional economic development to ensure that every community benefits from travel and tourism.
Intended Outcomes: Support intentional economic development, including by connecting local entrepreneurs, emerging workforce talent, and community-focused innovation.
Community Impact and Well-Being
Destinations thrive when communities are actively engaged and recognize the value of travel and tourism – especially when related investments support infrastructure improvements, foster authentic experiences, improve accessibility and safety, and elevate the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Intended Outcomes: Enhance the experience of residents and visitors through investments in shared spaces, infrastructure, and services that support a thriving, connected community.
Responsible Tourism and Stewardship
Socially conscious travel practices uplift cultural heritage, protect natural resources, uphold ethical business standards and promote long-term resilience for destinations.
Intended Outcomes: Advance tourism strategies that protect natural and cultural assets, uphold ethical practices and contribute to the long-term resilience of destinations.
Access and Participation
True impact happens when all individuals have the opportunity to experience and contribute to a destination’s cultural and economic vitality.
Intended Outcomes: Foster access to destination experiences and ensure all people—regardless of background or ability—can contribute to and benefit from tourism.
Align to the Social Impact Framework
The four key pillars of social impact lead to measurable outcomes. The thirteen topics below are challenges and opportunities critical to any destination.
When aligned together through intentional action and outcomes, destinations can foster community vitality and drive sustainable economic growth.
Apply the Social Impact Framework in five steps:
Our Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
Social impact looks different in every region. That’s why we collaborate with our members and partners around the world to design strategies rooted in local context, shaped by community voices and informed by traditional and place-based knowledge. By reflecting the distinct societal, cultural and environmental realities of each destination we can best shape the industry for a welcoming and resilient future.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addresses the importance of implementing initiatives that create welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds and abilities. The adoption of social impact alongside the UN SDGs can lead to increased innovation and productivity within teams and profitability through an engaged community, a strong workforce and increased visitor satisfaction.
Destinations International aligns with the following SDGs for our social impact strategy:
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Social Impact Resources
Discover essential tools designed to measure progress toward impact goals and empower your organization in creating welcoming environments for all community members and visitors.
Social Impact Resource Glossary
DI’s Social Impact Resources are designed to equip and empower all industry professionals seeking to advance their impact-based practices internally, among stakeholders, and when engaging with communities.
Social Impact Assessment Tool
Evaluate workplace dynamics, operations, policies, vendor selection, community engagement, accessibility, board governance, and destination stewardship efforts with precision. Elevate your commitment to inclusion by leveraging a comprehensive tool that guides you through the intricate facets of progress assessment.
Becoming a Community Shared Value
Explore the core values essential for fostering community support through our workbook. Gain valuable insights and create a roadmap tailored to your organization's success. Start your journey today and unlock the potential of community engagement.
Impact Focused Services
Our services are designed for members of all geographies and budget categories. We incorporate and emphasize the importance of human connection and well-being while providing practical ways to empathize with people across different perspectives and backgrounds. All listed services and sessions can be facilitated remotely or in person.
Social Impact Lexicon
Creating welcoming spaces where people feel like they belong is critical to community vitality and sustained economic growth, and we must complement metrics with a compelling narrative that appeals to emotions and core values.
Accessibility Playbook
In partnership with Destinations International, TravelAbility has created a customized Accessibility Playbook designed to assist destination organizations and their local stakeholders in developing and implementing practical accessibility strategies and initiatives, enabling them to better welcome and accommodate people with disabilities within their destination.
Global Accessibility Report
The Global Accessibility Report, a collaborative research effort from City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) and Destinations International, provides a foundational understanding of the global initiatives around accessibility.
Workforce Development Brief
Destinations International's workforce brief, "Addressing Workforce Development and Retention in the Travel Industry," emphasizes the significant need for a more diverse industry workforce in United States.
The Impact of the Scholarship Program
In its second year, the Destinations International Foundation's HBCU Scholarship Program continues to positively impact future industry professionals by awarding nine hospitality and tourism management students $8,000 for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Learn about the impact of this incredible program.
Tampa Case Study
Download a copy of the Tampa Case Study today. This study and accompanying toolkit offer effective strategies to design inclusive and impactful events and help meeting planners and destination professionals leave a positive legacy.
Community Impact Stories
The Community Impact Stories celebrate destinations who have achieved tangible outcomes in applying the Social Impact Framework. Get inspired and adopt recommendations from these industry champions.
Building a Common Language
Building A Common Language: Foundational Terms & Roles for Destination Stewardship & Sustainability in the Tourism Industry is a new guide that defines essential sustainability terms and outlines the roles that help embed stewardship across entire destination organizations.
Submit Your Thought Leadership
Have a social impact success story you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Click here to submit case study, blog or other piece of content to DI.