Austin, Texas - USA
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Throughout 2025, the DI Foundation expanded its impact by investing in research, scholarships, workforce initiatives and rapid responses to communities in crisis, demonstrating the power of collective generosity across our global destination community. None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our members, partners, volunteer leaders and the exceptional DI team. Your leadership, engagement and willingness to collaborate continue to shape a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive future for destinations worldwide. As we look ahead, we remain confident in the power of radical collaboration and shared purpose. Thank you for your continued trust in Destinations International and for the vital work you do every day on behalf of your communities and our industry.
Dear Member,
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program reached new highs, reinforcing its position as the industry’s premier professional credential. Our events – including the CEO Summit, Annual Convention and sector-specific summits – set new benchmarks for attendance, global participation and first-time engagement, reflecting the growing demand for connection, learning and shared problem-solving. DI continued to lead the industry with timely, actionable research and insights. Signature initiatives such as the Destination Reputation Research and DNEXT Futures Study — both underwritten by the foundation — provided destination organizations with forward-looking intelligence to navigate complexity, strengthen trust and plan for long- term resilience. Through new action briefs, advocacy tools and future-focused research, we equipped members to respond to societal issues, policy challenges and shifting measures of success with confidence and clarity. Equally central to our work was a continued commitment to stewardship, impact and workforce development. From launching Advocacy & Action and advancing Tourism for All, to expanding workforce pathways, professional development and leadership programs, DI reinforced the essential role destination organizations play as community catalysts. We launched the first annual global recognition for the essential role of our industry by celebrating February 19 as Destination Professionals Day. All these efforts reflect a shared belief that destination success is inseparable from community well-being, belonging and opportunity.
As we reflect on 2025, one word continues to define both our industry and our global Destinations International (DI) community: perseverance. In a year shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, natural disasters, rapid technological change and evolving community expectations, destination organizations around the world demonstrated extraordinary resilience, leadership and purpose. It has been an honor to both witness and support this work. This past year marked a significant step forward in DI’s global evolution. We welcomed 66 new and re-engaged members, reaching a total of 778 destination organizations, along with 7 educational members and 199 partners across 40 countries and territories. This represents a community of more than 10,000 destination professionals worldwide. We introduced a new partnership model offering expanded, year-round opportunities, and a new European Membership. These and other initiatives contributed to the continued growth and success of the association. A defining milestone was the successful hosting of our first major event outside North America, underscoring our commitment to serving a truly global membership and fostering cross-border collaboration at the highest levels. Engagement across DI reached record levels in 2025. Participation in the Global Leaders Forum exceeded expectations in its inaugural year, bringing together CEOs from more than 20 countries for candid dialogue on the future of destination leadership. Enrollment and completion in the
Warm regards,
DON WELSH President & CEO Destinations International
This past year marked a significant step forward in DI’s global evolution. We welcomed 66 new and re-engaged members, reaching a total of 778 destination organizations, along with 7 educational members and 199 partners across 40 countries and territories. This represents a community of more than 10,000 destination professionals worldwide. “
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