Destinations International (DI), the global association representing destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has highlighted new research, tools and strategies. These were presented during the association’s 2026 Virtual Advocacy Day, a programme it created to focus on tourism advocacy, destination organisation funding and community impact.
The event was supported by partners Chase Travel, Civitas, Granicus Destinations and the Destination International Foundation. A complete recording of all sessions is available on demand online.
Among the major announcements were the launch of new Tourism and Social Impact Lexicons and a research report examining destination organisation (DMO) resiliency.
“Advocacy is an ongoing leadership responsibility built on trusted relationships, credible data and a clear connection between the visitor economy and community priorities,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “These new resources give destination leaders practical tools to communicate their value and strengthen their organisations for the future.”
“Destination organisations have an important story to tell about the difference they make in people’s lives and communities,” said Sophia Hyder Hock, chief impact officer at Destinations International. “The right language helps us connect tourism’s economic and social impact to what residents, leaders and stakeholders value most.”
Destinations International has also released new research, ‘Weathering the Storm: What 30 Years of Downturns Teach DMOs About Surviving the Next One’. It examines how destination organisations can prepare for economic downturns, funding challenges and other disruptions.
Other Virtual Advocacy Day discussions addressed tourism taxes and sustainable funding, collaboration with city and county governments, economic impact research, and advocacy versus lobbying.
The conversation continues at Advocacy & Action: The Destination Impact Event, 20–22 October, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
For the 2026 Tourism Lexicon, 2026 Social Impact Lexicon, DMO Resiliency Research Report and additional tourism advocacy resources, visit DestinationsInternational.org.
