Destinations International and Destinations International Foundation Release 2024 Annual Reports

Reports highlight year of strategic growth, industry impact and investment in the essential work of destination organizations.

Destinations International (DI) and the Destinations International Foundation have issued their 2024 Annual Reports, capturing a year of growth, innovation and deepened commitment to supporting destination organizations as essential stewards of thriving communities.

In a time of rapid change, the global travel and tourism sector has proven a powerful catalyst for economic development, community engagement and social impact. Core to this progress are destination organizations – entities that not only promote places, but lead conversations on sustainability, workforce development, creating a welcoming community and enhancing resident quality of life.

“Our annual reports reflect more than organizational progress, they capture a growing international movement of destination leaders who are helping their communities thrive through travel and tourism,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International.

Destinations International 2024 Annual Report Highlights

• Member Growth and Regional Expansion
  Membership grew to 755 member organizations across 32 countries and territories, including 91 new and reengaged members. This represents a total of more than 8,000 individual members and partners. A 94.3% retention rate underscores DI’s reputation as a trusted and indispensable partner to destination professionals at all levels.
• Partner Growth

A new partnership model was launched at the end of 2024 to maximize alignment with the long-term strategic goals of Destinations International, its members and partners. Seven new partners joined during the year, bringing the total to 71. There are now a total of 112 business members, including 43 who joined during 2024. The retention rate of 93% underscores the value partners place on being involved with Destinations International.

• Record Engagement and Event Attendance Growth
  The 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida, USA, drew a record attendance of nearly 2,000 destination professionals for networking and informative sessions on topics spanning destination stewardship, AI, social impact and community alignment.
• New European Membership
  DI successfully launched a new membership structure in Europe, marking a major evolution in its global strategy for growth. This model provides more tailored programming, localized governance and greater value for European destination organizations, while expanding the association’s footprint and impact to enhance value for all members.
• Education, Certification and Research Impact
  More than 250 professionals advanced through DI’s industry-leading Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certification programs. DI also published 12 major research reports, including the Tampa Case Study: Empowering Communities Through Business EventsandDestination Promotion: Catalyst for Community Vitality Report, both supported by the DI Foundation.

Destinations International Foundation 2024 Annual Report Highlights

• $1.26 Million Raised to Advance Sector
  The DI Foundation raised a historic $1.26 million, a 28% increase over the prior year, to fund high-impact programs for the destination sector in research, education and workforce development.
• Key Initiatives Supported
  • Destination Effect Awareness Campaign: Helping destination organizations communicate their broader value to residents and policymakers.
  • “Destination Promotion: A Catalyst for Community Vitality” Report: Defining destination promotion as a strategic function for community growth and identity.
  • Global Exchange & Engagement Grants: Supporting international learning and leadership diversity across the industry.

“The Destinations International Foundation is proud to support programs and research that provide both insights and actionable guidance for destination organizations,” said Amir Eylon, President & CEO of Longwoods International and Chair of the DI Foundation. “We are proud to issue the foundation’s first stand-alone annual report this year, which reflects the growing scale and impact of our work to advance the industry.” 

The 2024 DI Annual Report and DI Foundation Annual Report are available online.

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.

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.  

Media Contact: Tim Smith 
tsmith@destinationsinternational.org
1.425.577.4499