About the Foundation
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destinations globally to excel through innovation and resource incubation.
We believe that destination organizations are essential to the success of destinations worldwide and the cornerstone of their communities. That is why we invest in research, advocacy, talent development and global engagement and exchange. Help us reach our 2024 fundraising goal!
The Cornerstone
With every dollar raised, the Foundation takes aim at and helps ensure the continued growth of our industry worldwide. We know that destination organizations must compete with every other community for their share of the world’s attention, customers and investment. Efforts must be made to promote, market, sell and engage potential visitors. However, we know that the need for destination promotion is for the benefit and well-being of every person in a community. We believe it is a common good and essential to develop opportunities for all the residents.
Investment in the Foundation directly supports innovation and incubation. We ensure that people working at destination organizations are supported with knowledge and programs.
Research
Together we will create new knowledge.
The Foundation takes aim at the issues destinations face daily. As one of the largest funders of research to develop a better understanding of our industry and the environment we operate in, we are committed to exploration. We set industry standards through Destination Organization Performance Reporting, Compensation and Benefits Study, and Standard Performance Reporting studies. We identify trends and opportunities through our DestinationNEXT Futures Study, as well as current threats through our Weaponization of Travel Study. We demonstrate the catalytic impacts of our efforts through the Destination Promotion: An Engine of Economic Development study; and we build the foundations for products such as the Event Impact Calculator by funding baseline calculations.
Advocacy
Together we will raise the voice of the industry.
The Foundation works diligently to help destination organizations better advocate for the outcome of their efforts. We monitor political conversations and track legislation that impacts our industry utilizing the world’s most comprehensive database of legislative information. We develop policy briefs and threat analysis reports to help destination organizations mitigate current threats and get ahead of future issues on the horizon. We assembled a team of industry leaders and crisis management experts to help destination organizations assess a crisis situation and set them on the path to creating an effective response strategy.
Talent Development
Together we will develop the leaders of tomorrow.
The Foundation invests in preparing the leaders of tomorrow through professional development and mentorship opportunities. Through programs like 30 Under 30, we are developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives.
Global Engagement
Together we will foster a passion for learning.
The Foundation believes that destinations learning from each other will only help each community grow. By fostering the opportunity for exchange and global engagement, organizations will be able to be on a world stage in promoting their destination.
Why I Support the Foundation
"The Destinations International Foundation plays a vital role in inspiring and supporting cutting-edge thought leadership for our field. The Futures Study, the annual Resident Sentiment study, the Catalyst study and many other research initiatives were originally conceived of and funded through the Foundation. The body of work helps guide our organizations to being more attentive to both production of business and alignment with our communities. I am proud to personally contribute to this important cause."
DAVID HOLDER, CDME
Principal
Clarity of Place
"The Destinations International Foundation fills an integral need in the tourism industry by supporting destinations around the globe. The research and toolkits that are created by the Foundation have a significant impact on destinations, the different challenges they each face and setting up destinations for future success. The Foundation’s ability to pivot as needs arise while focusing on and planning for the future ensures that destinations are best prepared for whatever circumstance they may face. The Foundation has become a trusted resource for destinations worldwide."
ELLIE WESTMAN CHIN, CDME
President & CEO
Destination Madison
Make a Contribution
Your gift will directly impact the incubation of new ideas, research, talent and global initiatives to support the broader travel and tourism industry.