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.

Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
News / Technology
Smartvel extends travel content with acquisition of ArrivalGuides
By Linda Fox | September 5, 2023
ArrivalGuides provides destination guides in multiple languages from tourism boards and travel experts for travel brands to integrate into their websites, mobile applications and marketing campaigns. Read More
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
News / Online
You, Me & The Machine: The Phocuswright Conference 2023
By PhocusWire | August 17, 2023
Make plans to attend The Phocuswright Conference in November for Center Stage sessions featuring industry leaders along with dedicated programs for innovation, diversity, Young Leaders and... Read More
Travel data leaders join forces as AirDNA acquires Arrivalist
News / Online
Travel data leaders join forces as AirDNA acquires Arrivalist
By Mitra Sorrells | July 17, 2023
Arrivalist will now become a product within AirDNA’s suite of solutions, and the 25-person Arrivalist team, including founder Cree Lawson, will join AirDNA. Read More
Sojern expands travel marketing platform with acquisition of VenueLytics
News / Online
Sojern expands travel marketing platform with acquisition of VenueLytics
By Mitra Sorrells | July 11, 2023
VenueLytics provides guest experience and data analytics tools to improve guest satisfaction and loyalty, increase direct bookings and drive ancillary revenue. Read More
Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
News / Online
Phocuswright debuts updated interactive travel data tool
By PhocusWire | June 2, 2023
Known as Phocal Point, the platform makes it easy for users to create custom interactive charts and interpret travel data by segment, channel, device, region and country.   Read More
RaizUp launches DEI certification for travel companies
News / Online
RaizUp launches DEI certification for travel companies
By Mitra Sorrells | May 22, 2023
RaizUp’s certification process begins with assessments based on data analysis, interviews and surveys, followed by an audit and development of an action plan for the coming year. Read More
Google partners with Singapore Tourism Board for AI-powered guided tours
News / Technology
Google partners with Singapore Tourism Board for AI-powered guided tours
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WebinTravel | May 11, 2023
Singapore Tourism Board is the first tourism partner globally in Google’s ARCore Early Access Program. Read More
Why data is critical to sustainability strategies for destinations
From Our Partners / Online
Why data is critical to sustainability strategies for destinations
By The Data Appeal Company | May 8, 2023
Although many international companies and tourism destinations claim to be “data-driven,” most of them have yet to grasp the tangible benefits that data can offer, particularly regarding sustainability... Read More
Understanding ChatGPT for tourism and hospitality
News / Technology
Understanding ChatGPT for tourism and hospitality
By PhocusWire | April 28, 2023
Learn more about how to use ChatGPT, examples of applications, risks to consider and what to expect in the future in this webinar co-hosted by PhocusWire and Miles Partnership. Read More
Generative AI and ChatGPT: What it means for tourism and hospitality
Event / Technology
Generative AI and ChatGPT: What it means for tourism and hospitality
April 27, 2023
In this webinar, Phocuswright and Miles Partnership will provide valuable insights on the essential aspects of generative AI, the most compelling applications for destinations and hospitality businesses... On Demand
Expedia Group streaming platform: Book what you watch
News / Online
Expedia Group streaming platform: Book what you watch
By Mitra Sorrells | April 20, 2023
The new interactive platform is launching with Brand USA as its partner, showcasing videos about trips across the United States targeted to travelers from Canada. Read More
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
News / Online
Tripadvisor CMO talks travel marketing, membership, video
By Linda Fox | March 16, 2023
Tripadvisor's chief marketing officer John Boris, who joined the company in late 2022, shares more on the company's strategy as well as his thoughts on the state of travel marketing. Read More
WheeltheWorld image
News / Startups
Wheel the World lands $6M to boost accessibility in travel
By Kathryn Walson | March 10, 2023
Founded in 2018, the San Francisco-based startup plans to expand its listings with the goal of having 12,000 travelers book through its platform by December 2024. Read More
Hurricane hotel damage
News / Online
As travel trends up, so do climate goal challenges
By Derek Catron | March 1, 2023
 A new report from the Travel Foundation charts a course for a growing travel sector to meet climate change goals – but it won’t be painless. Read More
destination marketing organizations redirect tourists 2
News / Online
Strategies destinations are using to disperse tourists
By Kathryn Walson | February 13, 2023
DMOs are using creative marketing strategies to nudge travelers to explore less crowded areas, but the effort also requires planning and support to ensure the dispersion doesn’t create problems of its... Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026