Destinations International

Name

Destinations International

Legal name

Destinations International

Website

https://destinationsinternational.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tourism Industry Association Services

NAICS

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (561591)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Destination Management (Ground Handling & Onsite Operations) (THAHADAA)

Keywords

• Destination marketing associations
• Tourism professional certification
• Convention visitor bureaus
• Destination benchmarking tools
• Tourism advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from destination organizations and convention & visitor bureaus, with tiered pricing based on organization budget size ranging from $700 for organizations under $150K budget to $45,949 for organizations over $100M budget
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from registration fees for Annual Convention, CDME courses, summits (Advocacy, CEO, Business Operations, Convention Sales & Services, Marketing & Communications, Visitor Services), and Global Leaders Forum
3. Partnership Programs: Corporate partnership opportunities at multiple tiers, providing partners access to 750+ destination organizations and decision-makers, committee participation, research co-creation, and event visibility
4. CDME Certification Program: Revenue from Certified Destination Management Executive certification courses - member rate $1,895 for Core courses, $1,295 for Elective courses; non-member rate $2,695 Core, $1,695 Elective
5. Foundation Donations: Nonprofit foundation fundraising through CEO Summit and Annual Convention silent auctions, Annual Foundation Investment Fund; 2025 goal of $1,103,800 achieved

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Destinations International is a global nonprofit trade association that delivers tiered membership, professional certification (CDME), accreditation (DMAP), proprietary benchmarking and analytics tools, research publications, advocacy resources, and an annual events calendar to destination marketing organizations, convention & visitor bureaus, and tourism professionals worldwide. Its core offer is an integrated package of networking, education, data tools, and advocacy services that helps members professionalize destination management, demonstrate tourism's economic value, and defend funding.

Product overview

Destinations International operates as a platform-plus-modules association model, offering a comprehensive suite of professional development, research, and benchmarking tools for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) worldwide. The core portfolio includes the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential as the flagship professional certification, alongside research products like the DestinationNEXT Futures Study and Resident Sentiment Study that provide strategic intelligence. The organization offers data and analytics tools including the Event Impact Calculator (EIC), Destination Organization Performance Reporting (DOPR), Meetings & Groups Database (MINT+), Overnight Room Demand Analyzer (ORDA), and Compensation & Benefits Reporting Platform for industry benchmarking. Social impact is addressed through dedicated measurement frameworks and the Tourism for All certificate program. Additional resources include advocacy tools like the Tourism Lexicon and Virtual Advocacy Day, along with talent development programs such as 30 Under 30 and Pathways to Success scholarships. The DMAP accreditation program establishes industry standards, while the Destination Booking Agreement provides standardized contracting for convention business. Membership provides access to over 700 destination organizations across 26 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Destination Organization Membership Annual tiered membership for destination marketing organizations, convention & visitor bureaus, and destination management organizations providing access to peer network (700+ members across 40+ countries), research, benchmarking tools, advocacy support, education, and member benefits.
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) The tourism industry's highest individual credential, preparing senior destination executives through Core and Elective courses on vision, leadership, productivity, and business strategy implementation. Member rate US$1,895 Core / US$1,295 Elective; non-member rate US$2,695 Core / US$1,695 Elective.
• Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) Accreditation program establishing industry standards for destination marketing organizations and recognizing excellence in destination management.
• Event Impact Calculator (EIC) Tool to measure and calculate the economic and community impact of events, enabling organizations to quantify ROI and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
• Destination Organization Performance Reporting (DOPR) Benchmarking platform enabling destinations to compare their funding, staffing, and spending against industry peers.
• Meetings & Groups Database (MINT+) Database tool for tracking and managing meetings and group business leads, supporting convention sales efforts.
• Overnight Room Demand Analyzer (ORDA) Analytics tool for analyzing overnight visitor demand patterns and room night generation for destinations.
• Compensation & Benefits Reporting Platform Industry compensation data platform providing salary benchmarks and benefits information for destination organization professionals.
• DestinationNEXT Futures Study Comprehensive forward-focused research identifying trends and opportunities for destination organizations, providing strategic insights for future planning.
• U.S. & Canada Resident Sentiment Study Annual research providing destinations with resident perspectives on tourism in their communities, enabling informed community engagement strategies.
• Social Impact Measurement Framework Framework and tools for measuring and reporting the social and community impact of tourism and destination promotion activities.
• Tourism for All Certificate Program Virtual, self-paced certificate program focused on creating welcoming spaces and building inclusive tourism experiences for all visitors.
• Destination Booking Agreement (DBA) Standard client agreement document utilized by CVBs and destination organizations when securing future meetings or conventions.
• Tourism Lexicon Resource providing effective language and terminology for articulating the value of destination promotion to stakeholders and communities.
• Annual Convention Annual convention bringing together destination organization leaders, members, and industry partners for multi-day programming, networking, and member value demonstration.
• CEO Summit Executive summit for destination organization CEOs featuring keynote presentations and panel discussions on travel trends, destination marketing, and the intersection of technology and tourism.
• Advocacy & Action: The Destination Impact Event Event combining advocacy and social impact disciplines for destination leaders, bringing the Advocacy Summit and Thrive Summit under one shared banner.
• Virtual Advocacy Day Global virtual experience designed to equip destination leaders with tools and insights for effective advocacy, part of the Advocacy & Action initiative.
• Global Leaders Forum European destination leadership gathering bringing together global destination leaders for strategic dialogue and programming.
• Business Operations Summit Cross-functional gathering of destination organization professionals in finance, HR, operations, and technology for operational excellence programming.
• Visitor Services Summit Summit for visitor services leaders focusing on destination storytelling strategy and visitor experience excellence.
• Corporate Partnership Program Multi-tiered corporate partnership opportunities providing industry partners access to 750+ destination organizations, committee participation, research co-creation, and event visibility.
• Destinations International Foundation Programs Nonprofit foundation programs investing in research, advocacy, talent development and global engagement, including scholarships, workshops (e.g., Creating Welcoming & Resilient Destinations), and the Spirit of Hospitality Award.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95.7% membership retention rate achieved in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• TrackaderocoreTechnology or Integration · 28 May 2026Trackadero, a travel intelligence and mobility analytics platform, partnered with Destinations International to power data-led destination marketing and smarter visitor insights. Through this collaboration, Trackadero gains access to DI's network of hundreds of destination marketing organizations, while destination organizations gain access to Trackadero's analytics capabilities for understanding visitor behavior, movement patterns, and marketing campaign effectiveness. The platform analyzes large-scale, anonymized mobility and audience data to help destinations measure ROI and make data-driven decisions.
• IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Destinations International and IGLTA launched an LGBTQ+ Tourism Toolkit focused on traveler values, belonging, and community impact. This joint initiative provides destination organizations with resources to better serve LGBTQ+ travelers and create more inclusive tourism experiences, combining DI's global destination network with IGLTA's LGBTQ+ travel expertise.
• Chase TravelmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Chase Travel Group partnered as sponsor for Virtual Advocacy Day programming, contributing to sessions discussing policy implications for travel and tourism, advocacy principles, and actionable engagement strategies for stakeholders. The partnership supports DI's advocacy initiatives and educational programming.
• CivitasmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Civitas, a destination marketing organization support company, partnered with DI for Virtual Advocacy Day. Civitas representatives contributed to advocacy programming including sessions on funding advocacy and destination positioning, providing practical frameworks for destination leaders.
• Simpleview (Granicus Company)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 April 2026Simpleview, a Granicus Company, supported Virtual Advocacy Day as a partner, with Granicus Destinations appearing as a partner sponsor. The company provides technology solutions for destination organizations and supports DI's mission through event sponsorship and thought leadership contributions.
• Longwoods InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongwoods International has partnered with Destinations International since 2018 to produce the annual U.S. & Canada Resident Sentiment Study, providing critical research on resident attitudes toward tourism. This partnership produces one of DI's flagship research products used by member destinations for planning and advocacy.
• MMGY NextFactorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMMGY NextFactor collaborated with Destinations International to produce the 'Advocacy Leadership Imperative' research report, providing data-driven insights on funding challenges and advocacy capacity needs for destination organizations. The research was released at the 2025 Advocacy Summit.
• ExpediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExpedia co-hosted the second annual Destination Professionals Day recognition event with Destinations International, supporting industry workforce development initiatives and acknowledging the contributions of destination professionals globally.
• CFO DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCFO Design, a finance-focused technology company, partners with DI for the Business Operations Summit, providing sponsorship and support for the cross-functional gathering of destination organization professionals in finance, HR, operations and technology.
• Fired Up CultureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFired Up Culture, a culture and people development company, partnered with DI for the Business Operations Summit, contributing to sessions on organizational culture and workforce development for destination organizations.
• Granicus DestinationsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGranicus Destinations (formerly Simpleview) is a key partner providing technology solutions for destination organizations. The company sponsors multiple DI events and provides thought leadership through its Future Tourism Group, contributing to Virtual Advocacy Day programming.
• Tourism EconomicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourism Economics, an advisory firm specializing in travel and tourism economics, partners with DI for the Business Operations Summit and contributes research expertise on destination economic impact and tourism statistics.
• TripadvisormajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTripadvisor, led by CEO Matt Goldberg, partners with DI as a CEO Summit sponsor. Tripadvisor contributes thought leadership on travel trends, destination marketing, and the intersection of technology and tourism through keynote presentations and panel discussions.
• IMEX GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerIMEX Group, a leading exhibition company for the meetings and events industry, partners with DI for the CEO Summit, contributing to industry dialogue on business events, placemaking, and destination strategy through sponsored programming and networking opportunities.
• AmadeusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmadeus, a travel technology company, sponsors the CEO Summit and contributes expertise on travel technology, booking systems, and data analytics relevant to destination marketing and visitor services.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• U.S. Travel Association: National nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. travel industry, with advocacy, research, and member services similar to DI's role for destination organizations. Operates the same association model (membership dues, events, research) and targets overlapping members in the U.S. DMO/CVB ecosystem.
• PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association): Global association for convention and business events professionals with education, certification, and an annual Convening Leaders conference. Highly comparable to DI in business model and stakeholder overlap with CVBs and DMOs that PCMA members source meetings from.
• SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives): Global association for the incentive travel industry, providing education, certification (CITE), and an annual conference. Comparable to DI as a specialized nonprofit association with tiered membership, events, and a credentialing program serving travel industry professionals.
• Meetings Professionals International (MPI): Global association for the meeting and event industry with membership dues, certification (CMP), research, and an annual event calendar. Closely comparable to DI's community-led, certification-plus-events association model serving a related but adjacent vertical within business events.

Broad incumbents

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): National trade association for the U.S. lodging industry, with advocacy, research, and a sizable staff. Comparable in nonprofit-association structure and advocacy-heavy value proposition, though it represents hotels rather than destination marketing organizations.
• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC): Global travel and tourism council representing the broader industry (not just destination organizations). Comparable to DI through its global membership association model, advocacy work, and economic-impact research, but broader in scope and not specialized in DMOs.

Regional players

• Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC): National nonprofit trade association representing Canada's tourism industry with advocacy, research, and member services. Directly comparable to DI as a country-level counterpart serving Canadian destinations and tourism businesses, overlapping with DI's Canadian member base.
• European Travel Commission (ETC): European nonprofit association of national tourism organizations promoting Europe as a destination. Comparable to DI in mission and member profile (national/regional DMOs), but regional in scope where DI aims to be globally representative.

Emerging players

• Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA): Trade association serving the adventure travel sector with research, events, and a member community. Comparable in nonprofit-association structure but narrower in vertical focus, intersecting DI's members where destinations feature adventure offerings.

Others

• IMEX Group: Global exhibition company for the meetings and events industry (IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America). Comparable as an enabling partner to DI's CEO Summit and adjacent to DI's convention-sales ecosystem; not a direct competitor but a thematically connected industry infrastructure provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/DestIntl
• Facebookfacebook.com/destintl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/destintl
• Instagraminstagram.com/destinations.international
• Xx.com/destintl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Destinations International