2025 NOTEWORTHY MENTIONS & MILESTONES
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP THROUGH EUROPE Established a formal European membership model, introducing a regionally tailored approach to engagement, pricing and programming that reflects the distinct needs of European destination organizations and convention bureaux. Supported by the launch of a European Stewardship Council and expanded cross-Atlantic knowledge exchange, this model strengthens global collaboration while reinforcing Destinations International’s long-term commitment to serving a growing international membership.
EUROPEAN MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 2025
2025 EUROPEAN MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 1
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
ATHENS, GREECE
BARCELONA, SPAIN
GLOBAL LEADERS FORUM Destinations International marked a major milestone by hosting the Global Leaders Forum, its first large-scale event outside North America. Held in Dublin, Ireland, the invitation-only gathering convened 102 senior destination leaders from 50 destinations, including 27 from outside the United States and Canada, and achieved the highest event satisfaction score in Destinations International history. The forum strengthened global connection and influence, with four participating non-member destinations subsequently joining Destinations International, reinforcing DI’s role as a global convener of destination leadership.
4.82+ MILLION MEDIA REACH (Unique Visitors per month - UVM) 8,300+ VIDEO VIEWS 3,000+ SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS (Likes, comments, reactions) 400+ USES OF #DestinationProfessionalsDay 2 GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATIONS (Governor of Wyoming and Mayor of Milwaukee)
Launched the inaugural global observance of Destination Professionals Day on February 19, establishing a new annual moment to recognize the vital contributions of destination organization professionals worldwide. The initiative elevated awareness of the sector’s impact, celebrated the people behind destination success and highlighted diverse career pathways, generating strong global engagement across media, social platforms and government leaders.
2025
COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAM MODELS FOR DESTINATION NETWORKS Launched Destinations International’s first cooperative membership and program model, enabling destination network organizations to extend access to education, research, tools and events across their regions. Designed to build capacity and broaden participation, especially for smaller and emerging destinations, this flexible co-op approach strengthens regional collaboration while expanding the value and reach of Destinations International members. ANNUAL CONVENTION REDESIGN FRAMEWORK Completed a comprehensive redesign of the Annual Convention experience, establishing a new strategic event framework to guide future programming, content design and attendee engagement. Informed by stakeholder interviews, attendee feedback and industry benchmarking, the framework prioritizes intentional connection, interactive learning and clearer value delivery. The work completed in 2025 lays the foundation for a more differentiated, audience-driven Annual Convention beginning in 2026, ensuring the event continues to evolve alongside the needs of destination leaders and partners.
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