2025 Thrive: The Community Vitality Summit

Thrive: The Community Vitality Summit is where bold ideas meet purposeful action. This in-person gathering convenes destination leaders, changemakers and community stewards who are committed to creating places where everyone feels welcome, connected and valued. Formerly the Social Inclusion Summit, Thrive reflects an expanded vision to support vibrant, people-centered destinations by aligning the value of tourism with community vitality and economic growth. 

As destination organizations take on a broader role in shaping not just the visitor experience but the overall health of the communities they serve, Thrive 2025 explores how intentional design, strong partnerships, data and storytelling can foster trust with elected officials and local stakeholders, and strengthen the social fabric of the community. From youth engagement and creative placemaking to data-informed planning and culturally rooted initiatives, every aspect of the Summit is crafted to inspire courage, accelerate progress and drive meaningful impact through tourism. 

REGISTRATION RATES
All prices in USD.

Pre-Summit Experience & Certificate Session
TOURISM FOR ALL: IGNITING COMMUNITY-DRIVEN CHANGE

 
NOTE: Full registration includes a welcome reception, two (2) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, four (4) breaks, and a closing reception.

REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION POLICY

We request that all registration cancellations and refund requests be made on or before Thursday, October 2, 2025. A full refund of the conference fee, less a US$150 administrative fee, will be provided. We regret that no refunds will be granted for requests made after October 2, 2025, without proof of a medical or family emergency. Please send all cancellation and refund requests or additional registration assistance inquiries via email to events@destinationsinternational.org. All cancellations must be in writing.

Late Registration Policy
To encourage timely registration and ensure optimal event planning, a late registration rate will take effect starting on October 3, 2025. This rate includes a $150 increase over our standard registration fee.

Substitutions
A single substitution, per registration, can be requested and emailed to events@destinationsinternational.org; further adjustments will be marked as cancellations. Cancellations are not eligible for event credit.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Your safety is our top priority. We have developed the following guidelines and require that all attendees strictly adhere to all guidance in order to make the event a safe, secure and enjoyable event for all. Read about the safety guidelines.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Destinations International is pleased to offer hotel blocks at the following properties, which are within walking distance of the Jackson Convention Complex:

The Westin Jackson (Host Hotel) starting at $199/night plus applicable taxes (currently 11%) and fees | (0.4 miles)

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown starting at $139/night plus applicable taxes and fees (currently 11%) | (0.3 miles)

Hotel booking links will be provided in your registration confirmation email. The hotel cutoff date is Thursday, October 2^nd, 2025. Please note that these rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out prior to the cutoff date. If you have any questions or need additional accommodations, please contact events@destinationsinternational.org.

Before Thrive officially begins, join us for an immersive, action-oriented training course designed to kickstart your journey with Tourism for All, Destinations International’s new program designed to guide destination professionals on cultivating safe and welcoming environments across your local tourism ecosystem. This dynamic full-day workshop brings together early adopters, destination leaders, and impact experts to engage in this powerful initiative. 

 
Following the session, participants will complete a short Action Plan assignment, serving as the final step in earning a Tourism for All Readiness Certificate. This credential signals your destination’s preparedness to facilitate Tourism for All cohorts in your community.   

Through guided discussion, peer exchange, and live facilitation, participants will:  

·         Explore the Four Pillars of Tourism for All: Learn how to operationalize practices that foster safety, belonging, and accessibility within your teams, businesses, and communities.  

·         Begin Crafting a Welcoming Statement: Start shaping a values-based declaration that sets the tone for your local tourism environment.  

·         Map Your Readiness: Prepare to unite local businesses around shared values of welcoming in a model that builds alignment, trust and collective action. 

·         Co-Design the Future: Collaborate directly with DI partners and impact experts to shape what the rollout looks like in your destination.  

The Tourism for All workshop offers a rare opportunity to influence, activate and lead the movement toward impactful community-rooted tourism, from the ground up. This exclusive experience is available for an additional fee and requires separate registration.  Let this session be your launchpad into purpose-driven progress, and the first milestone in leading transformative, community-centered tourism in your destination.
 
Impact Experts include: 
HospitableMe 

The Culturist Group 

TripAdvisor 

Tourism Cares 

Wheel the World