#United States #Washington #Destinations International #Tourism Lexicons #Community Advocacy

Destinations International Celebrates World Tourism Lexicon Day

On November 13, 2025, Destinations International (DI) proudly celebrated World Tourism Lexicon Day, a significant occasion highlighting the importance of language in the tourism sector. As a leading association dedicated to destination organizations globally, DI unveiled the 2025 Tourism Lexicons, emphasizing their role in promoting destinations as a common good. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement, economic development, and the overall well-being of both residents and visitors.

The new lexicons include updated editions for major regions such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada, featuring both English and French language versions. Among these resources are the 2025 Welcoming Lexicon and the 2025 Social Impact Lexicons, tailored specifically for the United States and Canada. These lexicons have been meticulously crafted to reflect the diverse perspectives of different regions, recognizing evolving public sentiment and the need for a resonant vocabulary that speaks to policymakers, community leaders, and residents alike.

"These lexicons embody more than just terminology; they symbolize our industry’s core values and our commitment to communicate with unity and intent,” remarked Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. He emphasized that World Lexicon Day serves as a reminder of the power that language holds in bolstering advocacy and instilling trust within communities. Welsh noted that thriving destinations contribute not only to economic prosperity but also enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.

The 2025 Tourism Lexicons were developed through extensive research and collaboration across regions, with support from the DI Foundation. Designed as practical tools, these lexicons aim to foster a cohesive and informed narrative around tourism's critical role in driving community vitality and shared prosperity. They guide destination leaders in articulating their stories with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

"The choice of words is crucial. We've crafted these lexicons to help destination organizations align their messaging with the shifting expectations of residents, policymakers, and visitors," stated Andreas Weissenborn, Vice President of Research and Advocacy at Destinations International. He further noted that the lexicons help reinforce that destination promotion transcends mere visitor attraction; it is fundamentally about enhancing the living standards of those who consider these destinations their home.

In celebration of World Tourism Lexicon Day, DI organized a special webinar titled "2025 World Tourism Lexicon Day" held from 11 a.m. to noon EST on the same day. The event was free and accessible to the public, enabling a wide audience to participate and learn more about the newly launched lexicons as well as their relevance in the current tourism landscape. Those interested had the option to register online and also gained access to a recording of the event for later viewing.

The 2025 Tourism Lexicons, along with supplementary resources, are now available on the DI website. This initiative underscores Destinations International’s commitment to serving as a vital, trusted resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), and tourism boards, with an impressive membership base exceeding 10,000 across more than 750 destinations worldwide. As a forward-thinking and collaborative community, DI empowers its members to excel through innovation and resource sharing across the global tourism landscape.

To learn more about Destinations International and explore the new lexicons, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of the 2025 Tourism Lexicons reflects an important step in reinforcing the tourism industry's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive dialogue within communities. By uniting diverse voices with a shared vocabulary, Destinations International not only aims to enhance advocacy efforts but also champions the notion that when destinations prosper, so too do their communities.