Tell Your Destination’s Story
"What’s the one story about your destination you want people to walk away with?"
Destination Day returns to ESTO with more energy, creativity and competition than ever before. This is your moment to show off what sets your destination apart through coordinated outfits, props and bold team spirit.
This year, alongside our Destination Day sponsor Tempest, we’re looking for the unexpected. We want to see the side of your destination that sparks curiosity and sticks with visitors long after they depart.
What’s at Stake?
One DMO and one State will be crowned the 2026 Destination Day champions, earning:
Passes
Two (2) complimentary registrations to ESTO 2027
Glory
Bragging rights for the year to come
Surprise
A special surprise from Destination Day sponsor, Tempest
How to Enter
Follow these steps accurately on or before Tuesday, August 25 to be eligible.
Sign up & Signal Participation
Officially enter the competition and let the community know you are competing!
Follow U.S. Travel and Tempest on Instagram
Make sure your team follows @ustravel_association and @tempestim.
Dress to Impress
On Tuesday, August 25, come to ESTO dressed to show off what makes your destination unique. Think beyond your brand logo and incorporate elements that highlight the truly distinctive, cool, unusual or iconic aspects of your destination.
Strike a Pose
Snap a high-quality group photo of your team assembled in full regalia.
Post to Your Instagram Story
Post your team photo to your DMO or State’s Instagram story.
Use the hashtags #ESTO2026 and/or #DestinationDay26 to automatically pull your submissions onto our onsite Walls.io social wall, sponsored by Travelzoo.