ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Destination Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Lawns

Destination Sales Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

Position Summary The Destination Sales Manager is responsible for generating economic impact through business development and by promoting and selling the Richmond Region as the ideal destination for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsDestination Development Jobs

destination development information

See salary details

$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do destination development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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.
More about destination development jobs

What cities are hiring for Destination Development jobs?

Cities with the most Destination Development job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Destination Development jobs?

The most popular types of Destination Development jobs are:

What states have the most Destination Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Destination Development jobs include:

What are popular job titles for Destination Development?

Popular job titles for Destination Development:

destination development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Destination Development job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Destination Development Director

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
See more jobs at Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureauexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Summary
The Destination Development Director is responsible for leading VisitBN's efforts to strengthen the Bloomington-Normal area as a premier visitor destination by developing strategic partnerships, enhancing visitor experiences, supporting destination assets, enhancing group sales, and advancing tourism initiatives throughout McLean County.
This position serves as VisitBN's primary liaison to the local tourism industry and works collaboratively with hotels, attractions, municipalities, event organizers, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to improve destination readiness, foster industry collaboration, and implement initiatives identified in VisitBN's Strategic Plan.
The Destination Development Director provides leadership in destination stewardship, tourism development, meetings/conferences, leisure, international, and sports tourism, hospitality initiatives, and industry engagement. This role ensures VisitBN is recognized as the trusted convener and leader of Bloomington-Normal's visitor economy.
Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in destination marketing, tourism, hospitality, economic development, community development, event management, marketing, sales, or related field.
  • Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, build consensus, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Ability to analyze trends and translate data into strategic recommendations.

Qualifications Preferred
  • Experience with sports tourism, meetings, conferences, or event recruitment.
  • Grant administration experience.
  • Familiarity with visitor analytics platforms such as Zartico or similar systems.
  • Familiarity with customer relationship management systems such as Salesforce.
  • Supervisory experience.

Essential Position Functions - Tourism Development
  • Develop and execute strategies to attract meetings, sporting events, group travel, and other targeted visitor markets in collaboration with VisitBN's marketing team.
  • Recruit, develop, and attend client familiarization tours to include consulting with and accompanying clients on site inspections showcasing facilities and area benefits.
  • Generate, maintain and leverage key domestic and international relationships with partners such as tour operators, receptive tour operators, wholesalers, planners, and other key partners to showcase VisitBN's viability in the international, leisure, and meeting market segments.
  • Manage the development and coordination of sales leads, events for key markets and retain existing meetings, conventions, tours, and events in the Bloomington-Normal area.
  • Oversee vendors on bids, contracts, timelines, and execution of projects.
  • Identify emerging tourism opportunities that align with VisitBN's strategic priorities.

Essential Position Functions - Destination Development
  • Lead implementation of destination development initiatives identified in VisitBN's Strategic Plan.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Bloomington-Normal's visitor experience through destination enhancements, tourism infrastructure, placemaking, and hospitality initiatives.
  • Collaborate with municipalities, attractions, arts organizations, educational institutions, and community partners on destination improvement projects.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage arts, culture, recreation, and area assets to increase visitation.
  • Oversee destination assessments to make recommendations that enhance visitor satisfaction.

Essential Position Functions - Industry Relations and Partnership Development
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive partner engagement strategy.
  • Convene quarterly tourism industry meetings and an annual tourism event.
  • Coordinate hospitality education and visitor readiness programs.
  • Develop recognition programs that celebrate outstanding hospitality and visitor service.
  • Represent VisitBN on community committees and regional tourism initiatives.

Essential Position Functions - Research & Industry Intelligence
  • Utilize research and visitor data to identify destination opportunities and industry trends.
  • Oversee stakeholder engagement and partner sentiment research.
  • Prepare reports demonstrating VisitBN's economic impact, partnership success, and destination development progress.
  • Support organizational planning through research and data analysis.

Essential Position Functions - Leadership
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Director to ensure destination development initiatives are effectively communicated and promoted.
  • Participate in organizational strategic planning, budgeting, and annual work planning.
  • Develop departmental goals, work plans, and performance metrics.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented culture within VisitBN.
  • Mentor and develop assigned staff.

Essential Position Functions - General
  • Represent VisitBN professionally at events, conferences, and industry meetings.
  • Maintain productive working relationships with staff, board members, elected officials, tourism partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Stay informed on emerging tourism trends and best practices.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to advance VisitBN's mission.

Psychological Considerations
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
  • Must be able to facilitate productive conversations among organizations with varying priorities.
  • Must demonstrate sound judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism.
  • Must be able to prioritize multiple long-term projects while responding to immediate organizational needs.

Physiological Considerations
  • Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Must be able to travel throughout McLean County and occasionally statewide or nationally.
  • Must be able to lift promotional materials and event equipment up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Considerations
  • Ability to work in office, meeting, event, and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Must comply with all VisitBN safety policies and procedures.

Apply