Destinations International is the world’s largest organization serving destination marketing and management professionals. It provides research, education, advocacy, and networking opportunities for convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), destination management organizations (DMOs), and tourism boards worldwide.
The organization helps communities promote travel, attract conventions, and improve visitor experiences through data-driven strategies and innovative marketing.
In today’s competitive global tourism market, promoting destinations effectively requires data, strategy, and collaboration. Destinations International serves as a hub for destination marketing professionals, offering tools, insights, and advocacy to help communities thrive economically and culturally through tourism.
With over 6,000 members in more than 575 destinations, the organization empowers professionals to attract visitors, host large-scale conventions, and enhance visitor experiences. Whether you are a tourism board, CVB, or hospitality professional, Destinations International provides best practices, research reports, and networking opportunities to stay ahead in the travel and tourism sector.
This article explores Destinations International’s history, services, initiatives, research, and impact on global travel.
What Is Destinations International?
Destinations International is the leading association for destination marketing professionals, focusing on:
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Convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs)
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Destination marketing organizations (DMOs)
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Tourism boards and destination managers
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Hospitality and hotel associations
Founded to provide advocacy, education, and research, the organization equips members with tools to:
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Increase visitor numbers
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Promote economic development through tourism
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Develop sustainable and inclusive travel strategies
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Enhance the quality of visitor experiences
Key entities and initiatives associated with Destinations International include:
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Global Tourism Community – connecting tourism professionals worldwide
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Data-Driven Insights – providing research on visitor trends and market intelligence
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Education Programs – professional development, webinars, and certification programs
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Advocacy Efforts – lobbying for tourism-friendly policies
History of Destinations International:
1. Early Beginnings
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Established in 1915 as the Association of Convention Executive Secretaries, the organization initially focused on helping destination professionals improve meeting and convention planning.
2. Rebranding and Global Expansion
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In 2017, it officially became Destinations International, reflecting its global reach and expanded focus on destination marketing and management.
3. Membership Growth
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Today, it serves over 6,000 members across 575+ destinations in more than 35 countries, providing tools and best practices to boost tourism, events, and local economies.
4. Leadership and Innovation
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Destinations International is led by tourism and hospitality experts who champion innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity within the global tourism industry.
Key Services and Offerings:
1. Research and Data Analytics
Destinations International provides members with:
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Market intelligence reports
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Visitor profile analysis
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Economic impact studies
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Trend forecasting for tourism and conventions
Example: Reports on the economic impact of business travel help CVBs quantify ROI for local communities.
2. Education and Certification
The organization offers professional development through:
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Webinars and workshops
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Leadership training programs
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Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) programs
These resources help tourism professionals enhance skills, knowledge, and career growth.
3. Advocacy and Policy Support
Destinations International works with governments to:
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Promote tourism-friendly legislation
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Advocate for infrastructure development
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Support visa and travel policies for international visitors
Example: Collaboration with local governments to enhance airport access and hotel accommodations for conventions.
4. Networking and Collaboration
Members benefit from:
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Annual conferences and summits
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Regional workshops
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Peer-to-peer networking
These platforms encourage idea sharing, partnership building, and global collaboration.
5. Marketing Tools and Best Practices
Destinations International equips members with:
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Branding strategies for cities and regions
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Digital marketing insights and social media guidance
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Visitor engagement campaigns
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Sustainable tourism initiatives
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Impact of Destinations International:
1. Economic Growth
Tourism contributes significantly to local economies. By providing data and strategies, Destinations International helps communities attract more visitors, generate revenue, and support jobs in hospitality, retail, and entertainment.
2. Professional Excellence
Through education and certifications, the organization ensures destination marketing professionals remain skilled in emerging trends, technology, and sustainability practices.
3. Global Connectivity
Members from across the globe share knowledge, enabling cities to learn international best practices, from event hosting to visitor experience enhancement.
4. Sustainable Tourism
Destinations International emphasizes responsible travel practices, helping communities balance tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
Popular Programs and Initiatives:
1. Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME)
A prestigious program that equips destination professionals with leadership, business, and marketing skills for effective community impact.
2. Economic Impact Research Reports
Comprehensive studies on visitor spending, job creation, and event hosting that support data-driven decision-making.
3. Destinations International Annual Convention
A flagship event that offers networking, workshops, and industry insights on tourism trends, technology, and visitor engagement.
4. Sustainability and Diversity Programs
Initiatives promoting inclusive tourism, environmental sustainability, and community engagement within destination management.
Why Destinations International Matters:
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Empowers local tourism boards to increase visitor numbers
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Supports event and convention planning for global business travelers
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Provides actionable research on travel trends, demographics, and economic impact
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Encourages innovation through marketing, technology, and visitor experience strategies
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Fosters a professional community where tourism experts collaborate and share best practices
High-Authority References:
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According to Destinations International Official Site, members gain access to research, training, and advocacy that help boost tourism impact and revenue.
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According to Skift Research, leveraging data-driven insights improves destination marketing ROI and visitor engagement.
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According to Forbes Travel, professional development and certifications from organizations like Destinations International enhance career growth for tourism and convention managers.
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According to U.S. Travel Association, strategic destination marketing and event planning significantly increase visitor spending and local economic growth.
Tips for Destination Marketing Professionals:
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Leverage Data: Use visitor demographics and spending reports to tailor marketing campaigns.
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Invest in Technology: Mobile apps, AR/VR experiences, and online booking tools improve visitor engagement.
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Collaborate Globally: Learn from international best practices and partner with other CVBs for events.
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Focus on Sustainability: Highlight eco-friendly accommodations, tours, and community programs.
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Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, webinars, and certification programs offered by Destinations International.
Take Away:
Destinations International plays a critical role in shaping global tourism and destination marketing. By providing research, education, networking, and advocacy, it empowers CVBs, DMOs, and tourism professionals to attract visitors, host events, and enhance travel experiences.
Through its focus on data-driven insights, sustainability, and professional excellence, Destinations International ensures communities worldwide can maximize economic benefits, preserve local culture, and create memorable visitor experiences.
For anyone in the tourism or hospitality industry, engaging with Destinations International is essential for staying informed, connected, and competitive in the dynamic global travel landscape.
