Destination and Travel Foundation

the destinations international Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destinations globally to excel through innovation and resource incubation. We believe that destination organizations are essential to the success of destinations worldwide and the cornerstone of their communities. That is why we invest in research, advocacy, talent development and global engagement and exchange.the Foundation takes aim at the issues destinations face daily. As one of the largest funders of research to develop a better understanding of our industry and the environment we operate in, we are committed to exploration. We set industry standards through destination organization performance reporting, compensation and benefits study, and standard performance reporting studies. We identify trends and opportunities through our destinationnext futures study, as well as current threats through our weaponization of travel study. We demonstrate the catalytic impacts of our efforts through the destination promotion: an engine of economic development study; and we build the foundations for products such as the event impact calculator by funding baseline calculations.the Foundation invests in preparing the leaders of tomorrow through professional development and mentorship opportunities. Through programs like 30 under 30, hbcu scholarship program and the apprenticeship program, we are developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. the 2022 class of 30 under 30 included participants from 3 countries: united states, canada, south africa. Each month, the class heard from guest speakers who shared insights on topics that included: destination branding, sales and marketing, information, and research, developing the destination experience, human resources and talent development, advocacy and leadership. Our edi studies on destination organizations highlight the need to cultivate underrepresented identities into leadership roles. We recognize that underrepresented students have many barriers to enrolling, attending, and graduating from college. Student loans pose as another obstacle to gaining financial security after graduation. Destinations international recognizes and advocates the importance of cultivating a unified travel industry where everyone is welcome, where there is equitable access for all, and to help reshape existing power structures so that systemically marginalized voices and perspectives are heard and valued. the vision for the hbcu scholarship program is to strengthen our workforce by providing financial support and apprenticeship opportunities. the anne daly heller usae 30 under 30 scholars fund was created to provide exceptional continuing educational opportunities for the participants of each 30 under 30 class. Funds are available for opportunities which can include participation at destinations international events and summits as well as other industry related meetings and events.the Foundation works diligently to help destination organizations better advocate for the outcome of their efforts. We monitor political conversations and track legislation that impacts our industry utilizing the world's most comprehensive database of legislative information. We develop policy briefs and threat analysis reports to help destination organizations mitigate current threats and get ahead of future issues on the horizon. We assembled a team of industry leaders and crisis management experts to help destination organizations assess a crisis situation and set them on the path to creating an effective response strategy.last, but certainly not least, the Foundation believes that destinations learning from each other will only help each community grow. By fostering the opportunity for exchange and global engagement, organizations will be able to be on a world stage in promoting their destination.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Educational and scholarships