Learn Tourism hits 35,000 learners ahead of DI 2026

Learn Tourism says it has crossed 35,000 enrolled learners, added its 65th destination partnership and expanded its advisory network ahead of the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention in Portland. The nonprofit is positioning education and workforce development as a bigger part of destination strategy.

Why it matters: - Learn Tourism's growth points to rising investment in workforce development, resident engagement and visitor experience across the destination sector. - The milestones arrive as destination leaders prepare to gather in Portland for the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention. - The organization says destinations are moving beyond marketing alone and treating education as a strategic advantage.

What happened: - Learn Tourism said it surpassed 35,000 enrolled learners over the past year. - The nonprofit launched its 65th destination learning environment partnership. - Learn Tourism expanded its advisory network with two new tourism industry leaders. - The organization awarded a professional development scholarship to Bryan Lavin, professor at Johnson & Wales University, to support his attendance at the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention. - Learn Tourism representatives will attend the convention in Portland and meet with destination leaders interested in tourism ambassador programs, workforce development, stakeholder engagement and destination-specific learning environments.

The details: - Learn Tourism is a nonprofit focused on tourism education through adult learning science, behavioral psychology and workforce development. - The organization works with destination organizations, attractions, associations and other tourism stakeholders. - Learn Tourism builds customized online learning environments and community engagement programs. - Its partner network includes urban and rural communities, state tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations in North America and internationally. - The organization's recent growth reflects demand for programs that strengthen community pride and resident engagement. - The same demand includes frontline training to improve visitor experiences. - Learn Tourism also points to tourism ambassador and destination advocate programs, workforce recruitment and retention, stewardship, responsible visitor behavior and stronger relationships between tourism organizations and communities. - Learn Tourism said the scholarship will help Lavin bring new insights back to the next generation of tourism professionals. - The two new advisors are expected to help guide the organization's future growth and impact across the tourism sector. - The organization included links for more information at Learn Tourism's website, destination learning environments and tourism ambassador programs, and contact information for the convention.

Between the lines: - Learn Tourism is framing destination success as a people strategy, not just a marketing strategy. - The emphasis on residents, staff and local advocates suggests destinations want more control over the visitor experience from the ground up. - The scholarship and advisor additions signal an effort to build credibility with both academia and industry leaders.

What's next: - Learn Tourism will use the Destinations International Annual Convention to pitch new approaches to tourism education and community engagement. - The nonprofit expects education to play a larger role as destinations face pressure on accessibility, stewardship and workforce development. - Continued expansion in partnerships and advisory support could give Learn Tourism more reach across destination markets.

The bottom line: - Learn Tourism is scaling fast and betting that destination success will increasingly depend on trained people, engaged communities and ongoing learning.