Destinations International Announces New Canadian Alliance and Destinations Showcase Dates
June 4, 2021
As the tourism industry gears up for a bullish recovery, Destinations International, the global trade association for destination organizations, has been busy forming a new alliance while shoring up an existing partnership in preparation for better times ahead. Before and during its hybrid CEO Summit, which took place May 25-27 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, Florida, the association announced the launch of its newly formed Canadian Alliance as well as the dates of its Destination Showcase, produced in partnership with PCMA.
Formed this year following the dissolution of the Destination Marketing Association of Canada, the Destination International Canadian Alliance comprises destination organization executives from north of the border, providing a forum for them to meet regularly throughout the year to coordinate on key industry issues including advocacy, resourcing, policy and marketing. The Alliance is also designed to provide strategic guidance to the association and recommendations for how it can best serve its Canadian members, including the development of educational content, programs and research.
“By aligning with Destinations International, Canadian destination organizations are laying the foundation for a strong recovery of the tourism industry and working together to strengthen Canada to be one of the top destinations in the world,” explained Kathleen Trainor, president of the Destination Marketing Association of Canada.
Membership in the Canadian Alliance is open to any Canadian destination organization that is a member of Destinations International, of which there are currently 23 Canadian members.
Then on May 26, DI and PCMA announced dates for the 2021 Destinations Showcase, an annual event created to connect business event professionals with destination organizations. Scheduled for Oct. 6 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, this year’s focus will be to re-envision the event for 2022 as well as to “re-engage the industry in new and authentic ways,” according to PCMA officials.
“We could not be more thrilled to reconvene with our destination partners and business event strategists,” said Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA. “Now is the time to safely get back to business, network with colleagues and collectively develop a plan for the future of the business events industry.”
Originally announced in 2019, the Destinations International and PCMA partnership was formed to further elevate and enhance Destination Showcase’s impact to event planners and destination organizations.
“We know that nothing truly replaces face-to-face meetings,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “We look forward to bringing together PCMA and Destinations International members to safely celebrate the power business events bring to communities around the world.”
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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.
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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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