Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Destinations International unveils key findings on inclusion and social impact, highlighting progress and areas for improvement in global destination organizations. Destinations International (DI), the foremost global association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has unveiled the findings of its Social Impact Assessment and two Social Inclusion Studies. These reports offer insights into the current state of inclusion within destination organizations and their industry partners, providing guidance on identifying progress and areas needing improvement in fostering a sense of belonging for individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
The Social Inclusion Study focusing on Destination Organizations, first launched in 2020, has now reached its third iteration. Meanwhile, the Social Inclusion Study on Industry Partners is in its inaugural year, shedding light on how partner organizations can enhance their internal inclusion practices. Now in its second year, the Social Impact Assessment tool has become a benchmark for destination organizations, helping them advance inclusion both internally and externally.
Collectively, this research underscores the importance of inclusion in engaging visitors and communities, highlights the need for workforce diversification, and acts as a catalyst for enhancing community vitality and economic impact. Approximately 450 destination organizations and 120 industry partners participated in the Social Inclusion Studies, while over 100 destination organizations engaged with DI’s Social Impact Assessment tool. Key findings from this research include: Although many destinations have foundational practices in place to partner with diverse vendors, engage diverse community members, and ensure inclusive board practices, they still need to integrate inclusive practices within their organizations, address accessibility gaps, and invest in stewardship efforts.
The findings emphasize the need for accountability through alignment, ownership, and clear goal-setting, taking into consideration the perspectives and needs of underrepresented populations. These considerations should be embedded into initiatives and measurable programs. The Social Inclusion Studies are available online as key components of Destinations International’s Social Inclusion framework, and the Social Impact Assessment Tool is a free resource accessible to DI member organizations.
Further iterations of this research are scheduled for late 2024. DI is committed to promoting inclusion as a means to advance societal progress, positively impacting community vitality and the economic well-being of destinations..
