Destinations International Releases 2019 DestinationNEXT Futures Study
August 27, 2019
Destinations International’s latest in-depth report, the 2019 DestinationNEXT Futures Study, identifies major opportunities and trends forecasted to shape the future of the global industry for destination organization leaders.
The study is funded by the Destinations International Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destinations throughout the world by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. Built on the 2014 and 2017 Futures Studies, the 2019 report determines the updated trends and strategies needed to keep destination organizations around the world both thriving and relevant, said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International.
“Destination organizations around the world are facing emerging economic, political, social and economic challenges that are forcing them to adapt,” Welsh said. “The DestinationNEXT Futures Study provides destination leaders with a roadmap for the future.”
Destinations can use the study as the cornerstone for strategic development moving forward, whether it be in the form of a strategic plan, board retreat or tourism master plan, he added.
The 2019 Futures Study focuses on three transformational opportunities that, when leveraged collectively, can help destination leaders formulate strategic decisions for the future. These include:
· Destination stewardship: Destination Organizations are collaborating more closely with their local communities to define a shared vision for the future that provides long-term benefits for both key stakeholders and residents.
· Community alignment: Increased emphasis on community-driven destination development aligns with the three integrated pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability to drive competitive advantage in today’s global visitor economy.
· Digital conversion: The increasingly sophisticated digitization across the industry is connecting destination partners and individual consumers more directly than ever.
More than 520 industry and community leaders in 55 countries participated in the 2019 DestinationNEXT global survey to help identify the industry’s top trends and strategies.
The DestinationNEXT Futures Studies are produced by MMGY NextFactor, a consulting company for the tourism and transportation industries. MMGY also partners with Destinations International to implement the DestinationNEXT Scenario Model & Assessment Tool that helps destination organizations and stakeholders identify challenges and opportunities in their region. To date, more than 200 destinations worldwide have gone through the assessment process.
“We are very proud to once again produce the DestinationNEXT Futures Study in cooperation with the Destinations International Foundation,” said Paul Ouimet, partner and president of MMGY NextFactor. “The results this year really show how our global community is focusing on destination stewardship more intentionally.”
Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, CVBs and tourism boards, with a membership of almost 6,000 destination professionals from around the globe from nearly 600 destinations in 13 countries.
To download the 2019 DestinationNEXT Futures Study for free, go here.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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