Destinations International

Destinations International
Name	Destinations International
Type	Nonprofit association
Founded	1918
Headquarters	United States

Destinations International is a global association representing destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, tourism boards, and other destination management professionals. It serves as a trade association and professional network connecting members across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, focusing on destination promotion, convention sales, and visitor services. The organization provides standards, research, education, and advocacy to support destination marketing and development.

History

The organization traces roots to early 20th-century efforts similar to the formation of the American Automobile Association, regional chambers such as the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, and civic promotion movements like those that produced the World's Columbian Exposition. It evolved alongside institutions including the U.S. Travel Association, the National Governors Association, and municipal initiatives exemplified by the New York City Department of Tourism. Throughout the 20th century it engaged with national efforts such as the Travel Promotion Act and interacted with international bodies analogous to the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the International Congress and Convention Association. The group’s development paralleled milestones like the expansion of the Interstate Highway System, the rise of the Pan American World Airways, and regulatory shifts influenced by the Civil Aeronautics Board.

The association’s leadership intersected with notable organizations and figures from the hospitality sector, including executives from the Hilton Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and civic leaders involved with events such as the Olympic Games and the World Expo. Its archival record reflects collaboration with municipal agencies similar to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau during periods of growth tied to conventions at venues like McCormick Place and Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Mission and Activities

The association’s mission emphasizes promotion, professional development, and standards-setting for destination organizations, aligning with global efforts seen in entities like the World Travel & Tourism Council and policy dialogues involving the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Activities include benchmarking and certification efforts comparable to programs by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and workforce initiatives akin to collaborations with the Hospitality Human Resources Association. It coordinates with marketing platforms reminiscent of campaigns run by Brand USA, cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, and major event organizers like the International Olympic Committee to amplify destination appeal.

Membership and Governance

Membership comprises destination marketing organizations, convention bureaus, tourism boards, attractions, and allied partners including hospitality corporations like Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group, and destination management companies similar to Trafalgar Tours. Governance follows nonprofit models common to associations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and uses board structures like those of the Convention Industry Council, with executive leadership roles paralleling CEOs of the U.S. Travel Association and presidents of the Meeting Professionals International. Committees and regional councils mirror frameworks used by the Asia Pacific Tourism Association and the European Tour Operators Association.

Programs and Services

Programs include certification and training similar to continuing education from the Project Management Institute and accreditation comparable to standards from the American National Standards Institute. Services extend to market intelligence akin to reports by STR, Inc., digital marketing assistance reminiscent of initiatives by Google Marketing Live, and professional development webinars similar to offerings from LinkedIn Learning. The association provides resources for crisis management drawing on practices used in responses to events such as the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating best practices with emergency planners like those associated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Advocacy and Industry Influence

Its advocacy engages with legislative and policy stakeholders resembling interactions with the United States Congress, the European Commission, and national tourism ministries similar to the Ministry of Tourism (India). The organization participates in coalitions with groups such as the National Ski Areas Association and partner campaigns like those of Brand USA to influence funding, visa policy, and infrastructure investment. It addresses regulatory matters tied to air service negotiations involving carriers like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines and infrastructure projects such as airport expansions at hubs like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Research and Publications

The association produces benchmarking studies, economic impact analyses, and white papers paralleling research from Oxford Economics, Deloitte, and the World Bank. Publications include destination best-practice guides similar to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and trend reports comparable to analyses by McKinsey & Company and Euromonitor International. It disseminates case studies that reference successful programs in cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, New York City, and Paris, and leverages data from sources such as STR, Inc., AirDNA, and national statistical agencies like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conferences and Events

The organization convenes annual summits, leadership forums, and trade shows analogous to the IMEX exhibitions and the World Travel Market. Events feature speakers from corporations including Expedia Group, Airbnb, Inc., and Cvent, and host sessions on destination development inspired by projects such as the Dubai Expo and transit initiatives like Crossrail. Regional conferences bring together representatives from tourism boards such as Visit Britain, Tourism Australia, and Japan National Tourism Organization as well as local partners like museums, performing arts centers, and convention centers.

Category:Tourism organizations