30 Under 30
30 Under 30 is a professional development program that champions emerging destination leaders by cultivating a global network that drives innovation and long-term success. Through collaboration and professional growth, the program ensures their continued impact in shaping the future of the tourism industry.
A dedicated group of alumni taking a leadership role in the future program.
Program Benefits
- Complimentary registration and hotel accommodations for 2025 DI Annual Convention in Chicago, IL
- Year-round virtual educational programming, including monthly leadership workshops
- Discounted rate for attendance at one of DI's online certificate courses such as Professional in Destination Management (PDM), Intellectual Capital Certificate (ICC), or Business Intelligence (BI)
- Access to thought leadership and speaking opportunities on behalf of the 30 Under 30 program
- Mentorship Program inclusion
- Access to networking with the 30 Under 30 alumni community
Applications Now Open
Applications for the 2025 class are now open and will close at 5:00 PM ET on January 20, 2025. Click through to the application to view application requirements, the judging rubric, and examples of successful applications from 2024.
Requirements & Criteria
- Candidates must be under the age of 30 at the time of application submission.
- Must presently work for a destination organization, convention and visitors bureau (CVB) or tourism board that is a member of Destinations International at the time of the submission deadline.
- If you are under 30 years of age and work for an organization that is an industry partner of DI, you are eligible to apply to join the young professional leadership development program alongside the 30 Under 30 class.
- Must have been an employee (part-time employment and internships included) of a destination organization for at least 1.5 years, with a minimum of six months at your current organization as of the submission deadline.
- Nominees must have supervisor support in order to apply for the program.
- Submissions must include application, high-resolution headshot, resume, written responses and video.
- Only one individual from an organization will be chosen if multiple applicants from the same destination organization are nominated.
Since 2011, the 30 Under 30 program has offered over 400 honorees the opportunity to enhance their career and professional development.
Destinations International Foundation
The 30 Under 30 program is supported by the Destinations International Foundation: a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination professionals globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development.
Founding Partner
