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Destination Professionals Day
About Destination Professionals Day
Destinations International is launching this initiative to gain recognition for the important contributions of the sector and those who work in it by promoting the annual celebration of February 19 as “Destination Professionals Day.” The first observance was February 19, 2025.
The objective of an annual recognition day is to raise awareness and appreciation for the important role of destination organization professionals, celebrate them and highlight the varied and exciting career tracks the sector offers as a means of attracting future generations of destination leaders.
Why February 19?
On February 19, 1896, members of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce joined the Detroit Manufacturers Club at the Cadillac Hotel in the center of the city to form the Detroit Convention and Businessman’s League. They had come together, drawn by a growing awareness that the city was developing a reputation as a convention city – largely due to the rapidly-growing manufacturing sector – and that this brought important commercial and economic benefits. They saw the potential for promoting events in the city to proactively draw more visitors (and business activity) – in other words, what they defined as the new organization’s mission: “hustling for conventions.”
How Can You Participate/Show Support?
It’s easy! Let friends, family and colleagues know you/your organization support and appreciate destination professionals by utilizing the resources available in our toolkit and sharing on February 19. Suggestions include:
- Use this as an opportunity to promote all your organization does to support economic development in your community and that the destination professionals are at the heart of it.
- Customize the press release template and distribute to local media – if time permits, schedule media interviews elevating the successes of your team and organization.
- Share the provided overview and talking points with your local government officials and community.
- Utilize the provided sharable graphics on your personal and/or business social media accounts.
- Include a personal message about your connection to and/or experience in the sector, career path or why you appreciate destination professionals.
- Encourage your staff and industry stakeholders to show their support and appreciation by posting about this special recognition day (you can even direct them to the toolkit).
- Host an “Open House” in your office or Welcome Centre inviting industry partners to stop by for a “meet and greet” with staff.