21: Is Tourism Funding Broken? (Brad Dean)

The funding model for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) is outdated and failing. So, what’s next?

In this episode of Destination Discourse, hosts Stuart Butler and Adam Stoker sit down with Brad Dean, the former CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and Visit Myrtle Beach, to discuss how he built multi-million dollar, resilient funding models that changed tourism forever.

We break down:
✅ How Myrtle Beach went from a $5M to $50M+ tourism budget
✅ Why Puerto Rico’s marketing was broken before Discover PR
✅ The biggest mistake DMOs make when advocating for funding
✅ How to win over politicians and communities to support tourism taxes
✅ Why taking risks is the only way forward for destination marketing
✅ Brad’s no-BS take on government dysfunction and why most DMOs settle for mediocrity

Brad doesn’t hold back in this brutally honest conversation. If you’re serious about breaking free from outdated funding models and securing the resources your destination actually needs, this episode is a must-watch.

🎧 Don’t just market your destination. Change the game.

🔔 Subscribe for more raw, unfiltered conversations challenging the status quo in destination marketing!

💬 What’s the biggest funding challenge in your destination? Drop it in the comments!

#DestinationMarketing #TourismFunding #DMOs #BradDean #TourismDevelopment #DestinationDiscourse