Deadline to Apply: April 17, 2026
RFP Type: Executive Leadership & Compensation in Destination Organizations
Opportunity: Destinations International RFP - Executive Leadership & Compensation in Destination Organizations
SUMMARY:
Destinations International (DI) and the Destinations International Foundation (DIF) are commissioning a research initiative focused on executive leadership and compensation within destination organizations. This project aims to provide an informed, research-based understanding of compensation structures, leadership expectations, and accountability frameworks that influence the success of destination organizations globally. The study will consider benchmarking executive compensation policies across USA, Canada and other global organizations (EU/MENA/AUS) to evaluate the link between leadership performance and community outcomes, and compare governance practices with those of other community-serving sectors. By commissioning this research, DI seeks to offer members, boards, and policymakers a credible framework to guide executive leadership decisions and strengthen understanding of the role destination CEOs play in advancing community wellbeing.
BACKGROUND
Chief Executives within the tourism and destination sector are facing increased attention regarding their salaries and overall compensation. In many cases, this attention is influenced by limited information or simplified narratives, particularly in media reporting and in conversations among elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. Public discussions about nonprofit CEO compensation often do not reflect the full scope of the responsibilities, expectations, and outcomes associated with executive leadership. Destination organization CEOs operate in a unique environment where public accountability is paired with expectations that mirror the standards of high performing private sector executives. These leaders must balance governance requirements, community priorities, and a competitive marketplace. Strong executive leadership is a core factor in the success of a destination organization. Effective CEOs attract investment, build strategic partnerships, set the organizational vision, strengthen local and global competitiveness, and lead teams that contribute to the long term vitality of their communities.
PROJECT SCOPE & DESCRIPTION
Destinations International seeks a qualified research partner to conduct a comprehensive examination of executive compensation within destination organizations. This work will provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how compensation decisions are made, how they connect to leadership responsibilities and organizational outcomes, and how they align with norms across other community serving sectors. The goal is to equip destination organization boards, executives, and community stakeholders with research-based insights that strengthen transparency, accountability, and informed decision making. The project will combine benchmarking, leadership outcome analysis, and governance evaluation to develop a complete view of how executive compensation is structured and understood within the sector. The research will explore compensation models, incentive structures, performance expectations, and the relationship between executive leadership and long term community impact. It will also examine governance practices such as the rebuttable presumption framework to provide clarity on how independent review, comparability data, and documentation support fairness and public trust. To place destination organizations within a broader context, the research will include comparative analysis with other public goods institutions such as health systems, universities, cultural organizations, and nonprofit civic entities. This will allow the findings to reflect a realistic understanding of transparency norms, public expectations, and the standards used to evaluate leadership performance in related fields. The research partner is encouraged to use a mix of methodologies that may include quantitative benchmarking, qualitative interviews, case studies, document review, or other approaches that best support a thorough analysis. The final work should present findings across different destination organization sizes and types, recognizing the variation in budget levels, governance structures, funding models, and community priorities. The completed research should produce actionable insights and practical guidance that destination organization boards and executives can use to strengthen communication, reinforce responsible governance, and help their communities understand the value and impact of strong leadership.