Why I Support the Destinations International Foundation

"The scholarship program is so important because for organizations like ours with a smaller budget, it allows more of our team to be able to join us at the conference. That means we all get the continuing education that's important, we can all network, and then when we get back into the office, we can all implement what we learned." 

AMANDA ECKELBARGER
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau

“As a former CEO leader at Visit Bastrop Texas, I saw firsthand how the Destinations International Foundation Small Destination Scholarship can remove a real barrier to professional development for DMOs with limited budgets. Receiving this scholarship to attend last year's CEO Summit allowed me to access meaningful learning, connect with industry peers, and bring immediate benefits back to the organization and community I served. I strongly encourage other small destination leaders to take advantage of this opportunity for themselves or their teams.”

MIKE PISTANA

"Union County Tourism proudly supports the Destinations International Foundation because of the invaluable professional development opportunities it provides to destination leaders. As the director of a small DMO, I’m grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to those with limited resources. I personally benefited from a registration scholarship to the CEO Summit last spring, which enhanced my ability to lead and advocate for our community’s tourism growth. This experience underscores the Foundation’s impact and the importance of investing in the future of our industry.

For small destination marketing organizations, access is everything. Destinations International provides the research, tools, and peer connections that let small teams think strategically, make smart decisions, and feel supported. I have found the online community to be an excellent resource—not only for the valuable insights, guidance, and expertise of peers, but also for the camaraderie of those generously willing to lift others up." 

KAREN EYLON
Director
Union County Tourism

"I am grateful to everyone who took the time to answer my questions and share their experiences in their DMOs and the tourism industry overall. I've learned a lot from them and appreciate the life lessons they've passed on to me, whether it's about regrets from their youth or opportunities for me to get involved in the tourism sector in my area."

HANNAH WEISS
Hospitality & Tourism Management | DSU College of Business

"This scholarship has truly made my college experience more meaningful. It's lifted some of the financial pressure, giving me the freedom to focus on my classes, allowing me to excel in my leadership roles. It has allowed me to stay motivated to keep pushing forward, knowing that there are people that believe in me. I now feel even more inspired to make a difference in the travel and tourism industry."

MYA MENDOZA
Hospitality Management | Morgan State University

"As a partner of Destinations International, I wholeheartedly believe that it is important to give back and support the future of the industry!  One of the greatest things about Destinations International and this industry is the camaraderie that exists among the membership!  For those two reasons, over the past seven years, I have supported the Destinations International Foundation Silent Auctions by donating a multicourse dinner for the winning bidder and a designated number of their guests in the destination of their choice.  The winners of those dinners have used them for everything from client dinners to team dinners to birthday dinners to dinners with colleagues, etc.  Everyone that I have had the pleasure of hosting for these winning bidders have been such enjoyable experiences as the only way to truly get to know folks is when you travel with them and when you break bread with them!  Many new friendships have come as a result of these dinners!  …And the best part is, they have raised thousands of dollars to support the essential work of the Destinations International Foundation!  A truly wonderful win-win!"

AMIR EYLON
President & CEO
Longwoods International

“I’ve admired Jack Johnson’s work for years. My first Advocacy Summit in Madison was full of “aha” moments that genuinely reshaped how I thought about what we do and why. That experience set us on a path to make some significant changes—changes that gave us a strong foundation to navigate the countless curveballs that seem to come at us.

So when I saw the chance to bid on a day with Jack at the Foundation auction, I jumped. Having him here with our board and team in Montana—as one of his last official visits before retirement—was such an honor. He helped connect the dots for them, the “why” behind so much of what we’ve been doing for years. Work that traces right back to what the DI Foundation makes happen.

Supporting the Foundation matters to me because this work matters. It’s how destination organizations like ours get the tools and research we need to lead with intention and actually show up for our communities. I’m grateful for the partnership.”

RACENE FRIEDE
President & CEO
Western Montana’s Glacier Country

"The Creating Welcoming & Resilient Destinations workshop was a catalyst for our team. Our facilitators, Sophia Hyder-Hock and Ava Wells, didn't just provide training; they aligned inclusion with our 2026 priorities, fostering a sense of internal belonging and greater focus. Through dynamic discussions, real-world scenarios, and cross-department collaboration, we built a shared language, practiced empathetic communication, and mapped concrete strategies to enhance experiences for visitors, residents—and critically—our partners and stakeholders. The result: clearer, more consistent communication across teams and with external partners, and a stronger sense of internal belonging that shows up in every interaction.

We left with a clear roadmap, practical tools, and real momentum. This wasn’t theory; it was applicable, measurable progress toward a destination where everyone feels welcome, safe, and valued—partners and stakeholders included. We’re grateful for the partnership and highly recommend this workshop to any destination organization serious about building welcoming, resilient communities.”

SCOTT WHITE
President & CEO
Visit Greater Palm Springs