Destination International (DI) is a not for profit organization that seeks to create meaningful connections among the diaspora communities of various countries in the developing world. We believe that the diaspora is one of the most neglected and vulnerable sections of the global community. Through our programs, we provide services to strengthen the diaspora communities and empower them for greater economic and social success. We also believe that the diaspora has the right to return to their homeland with the resources they deserve – including education, business skills, and home ownership opportunities – and to contribute to the economic well-being of their country.
Destination International recognizes and promotes the importance of building a global community where everybody is welcome, where equal access is granted for all, and where systemic changes are managed to support the most vulnerable and excluded people. As part of our journey towards building a more sustainable and competitive global economy, we have been working with the governments of Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and others to facilitate economic growth and development by creating more inclusive economic policies, creating more stable environment for trade and investment, and devising a better administrative infrastructure to support economic diversification. We have also been focusing on reducing the time-consuming process involved in choosing destinations and planning itineraries, as well as on the cost-effective incentives travel programs. Our biggest achievement so far was successfully incorporating the Time-consuming Planning and Research component of our new policy in Thailand.
The policy has enabled us to successfully attract thousands of tourists each year who spend at least 40% of their time in Destinations rather than commuting to other destinations. Moreover, the policy encourages more tourists to spend part of their budget on destination activities such as sightseeing and shopping. This way, the majority of tourists is spending their money on destination activities rather than on commuting, which adds value to the Destination’s intangible assets. The policy encourages more diapason to invest in Destination by providing tax rebates and other financial incentives. It helps to develop Destination based industries, enhance employment opportunities and help build sustainable cities. Furthermore, it encourages investors to finance projects in selected Destinations, building a network of Destination investors.
The policy also discourages travellers from traveling in a large number of destinations to reduce the strain on tourist and financial resources and to promote a healthy destination tourism industry. As a result, there will be a constant increase in the number of tourists visiting Destinations rather than staying in a destination. A major fraction of the travellers’ budget goes into accommodation and transportation, encouraging the development of many new destinations that can serve as springboards for growth of Destination based industries. Tourism will also contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country.
The policy has indirectly encouraged innovation and growth of new destinations by encouraging entrepreneurs to create new businesses related to the tourist industry. This has been good for the local economy by creating new jobs and enhancing business opportunities in rural areas, supporting the growth of rural development and improving the quality of life in urban communities. The policy encourages travellers to visit Destinations across the Globe on a permanent basis, promoting international tourism by creating an image that helps secure funding for projects in Destination areas. By promoting Destination based businesses and investing in the promotion of these projects, we are also helping to conserve natural resources.
Many people travel from different countries to visit certain Destinations. International tourism contributes heavily to the economic growth of the country, but increasing numbers of travellers are choosing local destinations for travelling back home. Tourism provides excellent employment opportunities in both urban and rural regions, especially in developing nations. The policy encourages the development of tourist destination by creating a favourable image that enhances investment in infrastructure and creates value for stakeholders. By supporting Destination based businesses through the tax regime and encouraging tourists to visit Destinations across the Globe, we are playing a key role in sustaining the rich diversity of ecosystems across our planet.