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Don Welsh, President and CEO & Foundation Executive Director, and his team were the driving force behind the just concluded Destinations International Convention in Tampa, Florida.

Close to 1900 delegates took over this charming, but sophisticated Florida Convention and Vacation destination. The City of Tampa went all out to be an impressive host for this event, including a spectacular drone show and block party.

From the recognition ceremony to the “happiness keynote” and many timely and topical sessions, the Annual Convention was informative and fun.

The keynote speaker, Arthur Brooks is a professor of courses on leadership and happiness. He has authored 13 books, including his most recent #1 New York Times Bestseller, Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey.

Delegates had many more in-depth conversations, sharing experiences and new ideas. Destinations are competitive but also complement each other.

The travel and tourism industry is an industry based on friendship, and this concept first invented by SKAL International is often about doing business with friends. It appears Destination International is turning this concept into reality.

There was an unusually positive and motivated atmosphere, a well-managed fully packed eventful convention.

Through access to a wide network of people, ideas, products, and services, membership in Destinations International provides the resources needed to fuel success and effectively grow organizations and their teams.

As the only association dedicated to providing resources and thought leadership to destination organizations, business membership with Destinations International provides direct access and exposure to over 720 destinations across 27 countries and territories. Together with members, DI represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association: exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people, and elevating tourism to its highest potential.

Membership in Destinations International is like an access ticket to peers around the world, to research, and a lot of educational content. That network and the ability to reach out at any time is probably one of the most valuable assets.

Destinations International has identified seven strategic priorities for destination organizations in 2024. These priorities represent major industry and global matters facing our members and guide our programming for industry events, inform our research initiatives, and frame our industry partnerships and product development.