This announcement marks more than recognition—it’s a rallying cry for a sector in transition. With the 2025 Annual Convention set for July 9–11 in Chicago, Illinois, DI will host an emotionally charged Recognition Celebration to honor professionals who’ve not only adapted to change—but shaped it.
Rebuilding Trust, Reimagining Travel
Global tourism is facing profound disruption. From climate-related travel restrictions and geopolitical instability to rapid digitization and AI integration, destination marketing is no longer about visibility—it’s about vision.
This year’s award recipients, including the latest inductees into the prestigious Destinations International Hall of Fame, embody this ethos. Their work goes beyond operational excellence. These leaders are redefining destination stewardship, community alignment, sustainable growth, and traveler experience in bold, transformative ways.
The Hall of Fame: Shaping the Future by Honoring the Past
Launched in 2014 during DI’s centennial year, the Hall of Fame is not just a ceremonial gesture—it is the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Reserved for pioneers who have fundamentally altered the course of destination marketing and management, it cements a legacy that others aspire to follow.
These inductees have not only guided their local tourism economies through periods of crisis and innovation, but have created frameworks now being adopted globally. From community-driven tourism models to cutting-edge technology adoption, their influence ripples across borders and industries.
Spirit of Hospitality: Recognizing Heart-First Leadership
Equally impactful is the Spirit of Hospitality Award—reserved for those whose leadership is defined not just by strategic acumen, but by deep empathy and unwavering service. These are the voices championing inclusion, resilience, and dignity within an industry that, at its best, connects people across cultures and continents.
In a post-pandemic world, where traveler trust and emotional well-being are paramount, such leadership has become a cornerstone of tourism recovery.
Destination Organization Leadership Awards: Scaling Innovation Locally
The Destination Organization Leadership Awards celebrate those at the helm of local tourism boards and visitor bureaus—individuals tasked with balancing economic recovery, environmental responsibility, and cultural integrity.
Their efforts are often invisible to the traveler but crucial to sustainable tourism development. This year’s honorees have transformed regional tourism landscapes—whether by pioneering regenerative tourism strategies, driving record-breaking visitor revenue through hyper-local storytelling, or forging alliances between public and private sectors to unlock long-term growth.
New for 2025: Global Impact in Focus
As global mobility reshapes the travel ecosystem, Destinations International has added a powerful new category: the Destination Organization Leadership Award for Global Impact. This reflects the increasing interconnectedness of travel markets and the growing need for solutions that cross cultural and national boundaries.
The inaugural recipient has delivered tangible benefits on the world stage, influencing policy reform, facilitating cross-border tourism investment, and setting the standard for data-led tourism governance.
Convention 2025: More Than an Event—A Movement
This year’s convention in Chicago isn’t just a platform for recognition—it’s a convergence of change agents. Travel professionals, public officials, and policy architects will come together to tackle the sector’s most pressing questions:
- How do we sustain demand while protecting fragile ecosystems?
- What role will AI and automation play in visitor engagement?
- How can destinations future-proof themselves against economic volatility and environmental disruption?
The answers will shape tourism for decades to come. With U.S. travel demand projected to rise 7% in 2025 and global international arrivals forecasted to exceed 1.6 billion, the stakes are higher than ever.
The Road Ahead: Leading Through Turbulence
Across all awards, one message is clear: the future of travel belongs to those who lead with authenticity, agility, and boldness.
As destination organizations evolve from marketers to managers—and now to changemakers—the expectations have shifted. Stakeholders want more than economic returns. They want equity. Purpose. Progress.
These awards are not just a tribute to past achievements. They’re a charge to the entire industry to rise higher, go further, and lead better.
And as the world gathers in Chicago this summer, one thing is certain: the real journey is just beginning.
Tags: Global tourism, global travel, Hall of Fame, Annual Convention Chicago, Illinois, awards
