SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
OPERATIONAL STRENGTH & ALIGNMENT • Implemented standardized grantmaking procedures, templates and financial workflows. • Strengthened committee engagement and alignment across Development, Grants and Executive Committees. • Introduced visible “Foundation Supported” designations across funded programs and resources. EMERGENCY RESPONSE & INDUSTRY SUPPORT • Launched a rapid-response California Wildfire Emergency Relief Campaign, raising and distributing $200,000 in support of affected destination communities.
In 2025, the Destinations International Foundation advanced a more visible, strategic and impact-driven approach to investment. Through targeted funding, expanded storytelling and improved systems, the foundation strengthened its role as a catalyst for research, workforce development and global engagement across the destination organization sector.
ANNUAL INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN & FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE
The foundation saw strong participation across its 2025 investment efforts, reflecting growing confidence in its mission and impact.
KEY PROJECTS FUNDED IN 2025
• Destination Effect Awareness Program • U.S. Conference of Mayors Partnership • Updated Tourism Welcoming and Social Lexicons (US, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada – English & French) • 2025 DestinationsNEXT Futures Study • Destination Reputation: Responding to Societal Issues • 2025 30 Under 30 Program • 11 HBCU Scholarships • Technology & Innovation Series AI Micro-Course Series • Translation of the Professional in Destination Management (PDM) Program (Spanish and French) • 13 Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) Scholarships • 56 Small Destination Scholarships • 11 Global Access Scholarships • Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Partnership Initiatives • Canadian Resident Sentiment Study • Coraggio Global Strategy Report • Workforce Development & Retention Narrative • Indigenous-Led Tourism Toolkit • Destination Guide: Food Recovery & Redistribution at Events • California Wildfire Emergency Relief Campaign • Destination Journeys Video Series • Continued investment in website accessibility for global members and languages
2025 AUCTIONS • Total Auction/Fundraising (auction/raffle/fundraising efforts): $216,700
2025 ANNUAL INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN • Total Annual Investment Campaign (destination, partner, individual support): $999,300
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS & IMPACT Foundation investments supported high-impact research, professional development, workforce initiatives and global engagement—strengthening industry credibility, expanding access and equipping destination organizations with tools to demonstrate value and impact.
These efforts were amplified through enhanced storytelling, new digital assets, quarterly foundation features and increased media visibility, ensuring foundation-supported work reached broader audiences throughout the year.
VISIBILITY, BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS MILESTONES • Launched the foundation’s first-ever Annual Report, establishing a new standard for transparency and impact storytelling. • Introduced quarterly foundation features across DI channels to increase year-round visibility. • Delivered refreshed foundation branding, collateral and investment tier visuals. • Expanded the foundation website presence, including initiative designations, research resources, testimonials and partner recognition. • Produced a new foundation sizzle reel to support events, investor outreach and engagement.
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