30 Under 30
The 30 Under 30 program champions early-career leaders by cultivating a global network for professional development and innovation. Through collaboration, education and deep industry exposure, 30 Under 30 ensures talent growth and drives the tourism industry’s evolving workforce.
A dedicated group of alumni taking a leadership role in the future program.
Save the Date!
Applications for the 2026 30 Under 30 class will be launching on December 9, 2025! Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Program Benefits
- Meaningful Connections: Join a tight-knit cohort of peers, building relationships that open doors, spark collaboration and support you throughout your career. The experience culminates with in-person connection at DI’s Annual Convention in July.
- Future-Ready Professional Development: Participate in a monthly workshop series designed to strengthen your leadership, personal development and industry skills. Gain discounted access to DI certificates and micro-courses to help you advance and stay rooted in tourism for the long term.
- Elevate Your Voice: Share your perspective through thought leadership opportunities and speaking engagements, gaining visibility across the global destination community.
- Nurture the Future: Participate in DI’s Mentorship Program and serve as a mentor to Pathways to Success scholarship recipients, shaping the next wave of talent entering our industry.
2026 Application
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open on Tuesday, December 9, 2025!
Criteria & Requirements
Please ensure you meet the below criteria before submitting your application.
Criteria
- Must be under the age of 30 on January 20, 2026.
- Must presently work for an organization that is a partner in good standing of Destinations International.
- Must have been an employee (part-time employment and internships included) of a tourism-related organization for at least 1.5 years, with a minimum of one year at your current organization at the time of application submission.
- Only one individual from an organization will be chosen if multiple applicants from the same organization are nominated.
Requirements
- Nominees must have department leader or CEO support. This includes permission to take time to engage in year-round programming.
- Must be able to attend Annual Convention. All costs related to Annual Convention with the exception of hotel expenses must be covered by employer.
- Participate in monthly virtual leadership workshop series.
- Serve as a mentor for Pathways to Success scholarship recipients.
- Commit to volunteer to serve on DI Committee in 2027.
Honoring the future leaders of the destination promotion industry, the class of 2025 hails from 30 destinations across four countries.
Since 2011, the 30 Under 30 program has offered 450 honorees the opportunity to enhance their career and professional development.
Destinations International Foundation
The 30 Under 30 program is supported by the Destinations International Foundation: a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination professionals globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development.
Founding Partner
