Destinations International Expands Opportunities for Emerging Industry Leaders

Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading resource for destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has announced that applications are now open for its 2026 30 Under 30 Program and the newly expanded Rising Industry Professionals Program. 

Both initiatives are designed to strengthen the talent pipeline, foster career advancement and build long-term leadership capacity across the global destination marketing and management industry. Both programs are supported by the DI Foundation. 

Entering its 15th year, DI’s 30 Under 30 Program identifies and elevates high-performing destination professionals by providing year-long mentorship, exclusive leadership training and recognition. Honorees gain access to senior leaders, specialised education at the DI Annual Convention and year-round engagement opportunities that accelerate professional growth.  

“Our industry’s success relies on developing a workforce that is prepared, passionate and representative of the communities we serve,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “The 30 Under 30 Program is one of our most visible commitments to advancing talent in the industry, and we are proud to see it continue to grow in impact and scope each year. We thank SearchWide Global for being the founding partner of the program.” 

The Rising Industry Professionals Program provides similar mentorship, leadership training and recognition to early career professionals at DI partner organisations. Formerly known as the “Young Leader Professionals Development Program” Rising Industry Professionals has expanded access to any partner tier.  

“Developing a dynamic and sustainable workforce means meeting professionals where they are in their journey,” said Sophia Hyder Hock, Chief Impact Officer at Destinations International. “By expanding the Rising Industry Professionals Program to all partners, we are creating more pathways for talent to build confidence, develop critical skills and feel a sense of belonging in our industry.” 

The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destinations globally to excel through innovation and resource incubation. The foundation innovates new ideas and ways of doing things and incubates new tools and resources to improve the efforts of DI members. It launches and manages future-facing programs and initiatives, develops next-generation professional development and tools, and fosters short- and long-term cooperative relationships around the globe on behalf of the association.  

Applications for both programs are now open and will be accepted through January 20, 2026. 

Application Details 

• 30 Under 30 Program: Open to professionals 30 years of age or younger as of January 20, 2026. Applicants must work for a DI member organisation for at least 18 months and be in their role for one year at the time of application. Only one individual from an organisation will be chosen if multiple applications from the same organisation are submitted. More information and an application form is available online.
   
• Rising Industry Professionals Program: Open to professionals 30 years of age or younger of age or younger as of January 20, 2026. Applicants must work for a DI partner organisation for at least 18 months and in their role for one year at the time of application. Only one individual from an organisation will be chosen if multiple applications from the same organisation are submitted. More information and an application form is available online.
   

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