Destinations International launches initiatives and recognises industry achievements at convention in Tampa

Destinations International (DI), the premier association representing destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has recently unveiled several initiatives and recognised outstanding industry achievements at its 2024 Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. These initiatives and recognitions underscore DI’s commitment to accessibility, advocacy, professional development and industry excellence within the tourism sector. Accessibility Playbook: a comprehensive guide for inclusive travel DI, in partnership with TravelAbility, has launched the Accessibility Playbook. This guide aims to improve accessibility and inclusion for travellers with disabilities. According to the World Health Organisation, 1.3bn people, or 16% of the global population, live with disabilities. The Playbook addresses barriers travellers with disabilities face, providing practical solutions to make travel more accessible. Available online for DI members, the Playbook features over 90 tips vetted by disability advocacy organisations, technology recommendations, use-case scenarios and data to inform accessibility strategies. It includes TravelAbility Trusted innovations, amenities and a directory of third-party providers to help destination organisations and travel businesses enhance their accessibility efforts. “Accessibility is a critical and growing focus for our members,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “It’s important to visitors as well as residents and is a key component of a welcoming and thriving community.” Jake Steinman, founder and CEO of TravelAbility, added: “This is a win-win for travel organisations and the millions of travellers who can benefit from more accessible and inclusive travel experiences.” Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign DI has also launched the Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign to educate policymakers, elected officials, media and the public about the significant role and impact of destination organisations. The campaign aims to flesh out our understanding of how destination organisations contribute to communities beyond the boundaries of travel and hospitality. Jack Johnson, chief advocacy officer at Destinations International, explained: “The Destination Effect is achieved by using destination promotion to transform a location into a destination where people want to visit, live, work, play and invest. Destination organisations are uniquely positioned to drive this community vitality.” Supported by Tempest, the campaign features industry research, case studies and storytelling, available on the newly launched website, www.thedestinationeffect.com. Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) recipients At the Annual Convention, DI announced that 68 industry leaders earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation in 2024. The CDME programme is the highest individual educational achievement in the tourism sector, preparing professionals to steer through the challenges of the industry. Brett Oetting, president and CEO of Visit Corpus Christi and chair of the CDME Board of Directors noted: “Earning the CDME designation marks a significant professional milestone. It challenges destination leaders to innovate and adapt within our ever-changing sector.” Destination Marketing Accreditation Programme (DMAP) accreditations DI also announced that three destination organisations received Destination Marketing Accreditation Programme (DMAP) accreditation, recognising their commitment to industry excellence. The recipients were the Royal Commission for AlUla, Seminole County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, and Visit Chicago Southland. In total, 39 organisations were acknowledged for new accreditations, reaccreditations and renewals. The DMAP accreditation programme requires organisations to comply with a range of standards covering governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research. “We are delighted to have these destinations in our esteemed DMAP community,” said Don Welsh. “Destination organisations have never been more vital to the economic vitality of their local communities.” Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque and chair of the DMAP Board of Directors, added: “Accreditation through DMAP underscores the critical role that destination organisations play in their communities. This commitment is a clear signal to stakeholders that the organisation managing the destination brand possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to beneficially influence the visitor economy for both tourists and local residents.” For more information about these initiatives, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.