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
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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