Destinations International (DI) announced today it had set an all-time attendance record at its 2024 Annual Convention. Nearly 2,000 participants including more than 750 international delegates from over 30 countries and territories gathered for the event in Tampa, Florida, from July 16-18, 2024.

“We had a record-breaking Annual Convention in Tampa this year and based on our guest feedback we couldn’t be more pleased by the results,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “We’re deeply grateful to Visit Tampa Bay president & CEO Santiago Corrada and his outstanding team for their warm hospitality, partnership and hard work to make this year’s convention an unforgettable experience.”

At the opening session, participants were welcomed by Santiago Corrado and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, followed by a keynote from “happiness” expert Arthur C. Brooks. Participants then had the opportunity to attend more than three dozen breakout sessions on topics ranging from talent retention and succession planning to social inclusion, artificial intelligence, and the important impact destination organizations have on the local community.

DI and the Destinations International Foundation demonstrated the importance of local community engagement and impact through several concerted initiatives. These included a visit and volunteer activity at Feeding Tampa Bay, creation of a “Giving Circle” to support donations to three local non-profit organizations, and a focus on minority-owned and diverse vendors. A detailed case study is being prepared with details on these activities and an estimate of the convention’s economic impact on the local Tampa community.

During a recognition ceremony, awards were presented to members of the travel and hospitality industry who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and promise towards the continued success of destination marketing worldwide.

Included were 68 industry leaders receiving CDME certification, the highest individual educational achievement in the industry; 39 destination organizations receiving DMAP accreditation and reaccreditation; nine college students receiving HBCU scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year; and a group of emerging young leaders selected for the 2024 30 Under 30 class. Other recipients recognized include:

DI Hall of Fame

Ted Levine, Founder & Former Chairman, Development Counsellors International (DCI)
Dale Lockett, Former President & CEO, Visit Bastrop and Visit Albuquerque
Dan Lincoln, CTA, Former President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau
Karen Williams, Former President & CEO, Louisville Tourism
William “Bill” Talbert, CDME, Former President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

DI Foundation Spirit of Hospitality Award

Adam Sacks, Founder & President, Tourism Economics

Destination Organization Leadership Award

Mary Hammond, CDME, Former Executive Director, Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wes Rhea, CDME, CEO, Visit Stockton
Lisa Bethea, Director of Destination Services, Visit Frisco
Leonard Hoops, President & CEO, Visit Indy

Destination Organization Award for Global Impact

Business Events Sydney, Sydney Australia

Several launches were announced during the event, including:

Destinations International and TravelAbility Launched the “Accessibility Playbook” to help destinations and travel businesses improve their accessibility and inclusion initiatives.
Destinations International launched the Destination Effect Advocacy Awareness Campaign and Website to foster better understanding of the important role and impact of destination organizations in their communities.
Miles Partnership and Destinations International launched the first industry-led, evidence-based framework for destination stewardship.

During the convention, DI and the Destinations International Foundation held elections and approved their incoming boards, trustees and officers for 2024-2025. Scott White, president & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, will serve as Chair of Destinations International, and Amir Eylon, president & CEO of Longwoods International, will serve as Chair of the Destinations International Foundation.

Next year’s Annual Convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois, July 9-11, 2025.

The 2024 Annual Convention was presented by Destinations International with the support of its partners and the DI Foundation:

Pinnacle Partners

Brand USA | Miles Partnership | Simpleview | Tourism Economics

Event Partners