Destination Marketing Organizations News

Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are evolving to meet the challenges of digital transformation, traveler behavior shifts, and sustainable tourism demands. PhocusWire covers the latest developments in destination marketing organizations, highlighting how tourism boards are adapting strategies, investing in technology, and redefining destination branding in a competitive global market.

Tourism board strategies and destination marketing insights

Our coverage explores how DMOs are using data-driven insights, social media engagement, and dynamic content to attract travelers and support local economies. From public-private partnerships to tech-forward visitor engagement platforms, we report on the strategic moves shaping the future of destination marketing.

Seamless and secure cross-border travel - the tech is here, collaboration needed next
Opinion / Technology
Seamless and secure cross-border travel - the tech is here, collaboration needed next
By Liselotte de Maar and Rajeev Kaul - Accenture | February 22, 2019
Using biometrics and cryptography, KTDI enables the creation of unique, verifiable and secure digital identities for travelers that will provide them with nearly hassle-free travel. Now it needs... Read More
Travelers have big frustrations with in-destination services online
News / Technology
Travelers have big frustrations with in-destination services online
By Linda Fox | February 20, 2019
The Destination X study from Amadeus spoke to 1,000 travelers about their frustrations with services and products, as well as how to access them. Read More
lonely-planet-arrivalguides-2
News / Online
Lonely Planet buys ArrivalGuides, plots industry partnership model
By Linda Fox | February 19, 2019
Age-old guidebook-turned-digital travel content brand Lonely Planet buys ArrivalGuides as it looks to forge B2B partnerships. Read More
What you can learn from three of the most inspirational travel campaigns of 2018
News / Online
What you can learn from three of the most inspirational travel campaigns of 2018
By Expedia Group Media Solutions | January 30, 2019
We share some of the award‐winning digital ad campaigns that effectively tapped into strategic media collaborations to achieve business goals and unlock innovative potential. Read More
VIDEO: Viselio - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Viselio - Summit pitch at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 28, 2018
Viselio is a digital visa service, cutting the time to apply for a visa from several hours to just a couple of minutes. Read More
Simpleview JackRabbit acquisition
News / Technology
Simpleview acquires travel software provider JackRabbit Systems
By Mitra Sorrells | December 21, 2018
Arizona-based Simpleview, which provides CRM, CMS, website design, digital marketing, revenue generation and mobile technologies, to more than 900 travel, tourism and convention marketing customers on... Read More
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
Opinion / Online
Digital actions for every travel company in 2019
By Jon Reay - RewriteDigital | December 21, 2018
Digital will continue to transform travel in 2019. You may still be selling holidays, flights or accommodation but the way you do so has significantly shifted and will keep doing so. Read More
The Gen Z and Millennial mindset: capturing the attention of these young and fast-growing generations
From Our Partners / Online
The Gen Z and Millennial mindset: capturing the attention of these young and fast-growing generations
By Lisa Lindberg - Expedia Group Media Solutions | December 17, 2018
Today’s younger generations are redefining the rules of engagement and asserting their role in purchasing decisions—for themselves, and their families—and travel is no exception. Read More
VIDEO: Vivere - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
Interview / Startups
VIDEO: Vivere - Summit pitch winner at Phocuswright 2018
By Kevin May | December 10, 2018
Vivere.travel transforms your vacation vision into reality. A personalized, interest-based, visual travel guide. Read More
Simpleview Tourism Media merger
News / Online
Simpleview, Tourism Media merge to create global marketing organization
By Mitra Sorrells | November 30, 2018
Arizona-based Simpleview and Liverpool-based Tourism Media Group are merging, creating a global marketing organization that will serve more than 800 destination marketing organizations, regional tourism... Read More
TravelgateX snaps up REVVA to improve business intelligence tools
News / Technology
TravelgateX snaps up REVVA to improve business intelligence tools
By Linda Fox | November 6, 2018
TravelgateX, a travel connectivity specialist, has acquired revenue management and business intelligence startup REVVA. Read More
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
News / Startups
Smartvel gets funding boost for its destination content technology
By Linda Fox | October 24, 2018
Destination content technology company Smartvel has received $1.05 million in funding for further growth. Read More
CrowdRiff 9 million series A
News / Startups
CrowdRiff raises $9M to grow its visual content marketing platform
By Mitra Sorrells | October 4, 2018
Toronto-based CrowdRiff, an artificial intelligence-powered visual content management and marketing platform for travel brands, has closed a $9 million Series A funding round.   Read More
A DMO’s guide to finding the metrics that matter
Opinion / Online
A DMO’s guide to finding the metrics that matter
By Richard Black - Sojern | September 27, 2018
Most people agree that in order for a company to stay in business, you need to market it.  Read More
VIDEO: Behold a next-gen in-destination, tech-enhanced experience
News / Technology
VIDEO: Behold a next-gen in-destination, tech-enhanced experience
By Kevin May | September 26, 2018
Sightseeing buses in major cities around the world have changed very little over the years - it's a simple product with well-defined parameters. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026