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Destination Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Affinity Travels

Cruise Destination Specialist

Cruise Destination Specialist Huntsville, Alabama, United States Or refer someone Job Openings ... Participate in ongoing training, mentorship, and personal development * Collaborate with a ...

Affinity Travels

Cruise Destination Specialist

Cruise Destination Specialist Kapolei, Hawaii, United States Or refer someone Job Openings Cruise ... Participate in ongoing training, mentorship, and personal development * Collaborate with a ...

Affinity Travels

Cruise Destination Specialist

Cruise Destination Specialist New York, New York, United States Design Dream Vacations from ... Participate in ongoing training, mentorship, and personal development * Collaborate with a ...

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do destination development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for destination development in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a destination development?

A Destination Development job focuses on enhancing and improving a location to attract more visitors while ensuring sustainable growth. Professionals in this role work with local governments, tourism boards, and businesses to develop infrastructure, experiences, and marketing strategies that boost tourism. They analyze traveler trends, plan projects, and collaborate with stakeholders to create a thriving destination. The goal is to balance economic benefits with cultural and environmental sustainability for long-term success.

What are typical daily tasks and projects for someone working in destination development?

Professionals in Destination Development often spend their days conducting market research, meeting with community stakeholders, and collaborating with local businesses and government agencies to plan or enhance tourist offerings. Their projects can involve developing new attractions, improving infrastructure, creating promotional strategies, and assessing the economic and environmental impacts of tourism. Teamwork is a big part of the job, as they regularly coordinate efforts across marketing, urban planning, and hospitality sectors. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and creative problem-solving as priorities can shift based on community needs and tourism trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in destination development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Destination Development, you need expertise in tourism planning, market analysis, and project management, often backed by a degree in tourism, hospitality, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, destination management systems, and tourism impact assessment tools is typically required, and certifications like Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) can be advantageous. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to facilitate partnerships stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for designing, implementing, and promoting successful destination strategies that attract visitors and foster sustainable local growth.

How do I get into destination development?

To pursue a career in destination development, gain experience in tourism, urban planning, or economic development through relevant education or internships. Skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of local markets are essential, and certifications in tourism or urban planning can enhance prospects.
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Destination Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Destination Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Executive Producer - Experience Development + Delivery

Herschend Entertainment Company LLC

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Producer – Experience Development + Delivery is the senior execution leader for Herschend Creative Studios, responsible for leading the development, production, and delivery of new guest experiences across all Herschend properties. Reporting to the Chief Creative Officer, this role transforms creative vision into operationally successful, financially disciplined, and brand-enhancing experiences while overseeing enterprise-wide capital projects, creative delivery teams, and portfolio execution. The position also plays a key leadership role in building and scaling the Creative Studio organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise Portfolio Leadership

  • Lead production and delivery of creative capital projects across all Herschend operating regions and properties.
  • Establish and oversee project delivery processes, governance standards, procurement, and creative quality.
  • Partner with executive leadership to manage portfolio priorities, staffing, production capacity, and delivery risk.
  • Serve as the executive escalation point for project, budget, schedule, and production challenges.

Experience Development & Project Delivery

  • Oversee development and execution of themed lands, attractions, rides, festivals, retail, dining, resorts, media, and interactive experiences.
  • Direct project planning, scope development, cost estimating, budgeting, cash flow management, and executive reporting.
  • Lead delivery from feasibility through opening, including design, engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and operational readiness.
  • Manage vendor selection, contracting, negotiations, and production performance.

Financial & Capital Management

  • Develop and oversee project budgets, cash flow, cost tracking, and capital governance.
  • Lead executive portfolio reviews and ensure projects remain financially disciplined while protecting creative intent.

Executive & Stakeholder Leadership

  • Serve as the primary executive representative for major capital projects during execution.
  • Build strong partnerships with property presidents, general managers, operations leaders, PSC executives, and external partners.
  • Guide executive decision-making regarding project scope, budgeting, phasing, and value engineering.
  • Ensure newly acquired properties are integrated into Herschend's creative development and delivery processes.

Organizational Leadership

  • Build, hire, develop, and lead Creative Studio delivery teams.
  • Design scalable organizational structures that support multiple project types and enterprise growth.
  • Represent Herschend at industry conferences, vendor facilities, trade shows, and benchmarking opportunities to maintain innovation and industry leadership.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Design, Theatrical Production, or a related field required.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • 20+ years leading large-scale themed entertainment, attractions, hospitality, or destination development programs.
  • 10+ years leading high-performing creative or production organizations.
  • Demonstrated success managing multi-property portfolios, delivering large capital development programs, and building scalable creative delivery teams.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 25–30%.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Executive leadership in creative project delivery
  • Large-scale portfolio and capital program management
  • Guest experience and themed entertainment development
  • Strategic planning and financial stewardship
  • Project governance, scheduling, and risk management
  • Vendor procurement, contract negotiation, and partner management
  • Organizational design and team development
  • Cross-functional collaboration and executive stakeholder management
  • Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills
  • High emotional intelligence with sound executive judgment
  • Ability to balance creative excellence with operational feasibility and financial discipline

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