Key Takeaways
- The Beautiful Destinations Academy showcased its program at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026, connecting creators with tourism campaigns.
- Operated in partnership with the Dubai Tourism Board, the academy selects creators through a global application process for a three-month residency in Dubai.
- Participants receive training from industry mentors and gain real-world experience by working on live campaigns with Dubai Tourism.
- The academy focuses on enhancing creators’ skills, transitioning them from capable to professional levels while prioritizing quality storytelling.
- The program highlights collaboration between brands and creators, serving as a model for professional development in global tourism content.
The Beautiful Destinations Academy took center stage at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2026 in Dubai. The Beautiful Destinations Academy connects emerging creators with real tourism campaigns. Logan Armstrong, Head of Creative at Beautiful Destinations, shared details about the program during an interview at the summit.
Beautiful Destinations Academy program structure
It operates in partnership with the Dubai Tourism Board. The program opens with a global application process. During the most recent intake, around 9,000 applicants applied to the academy. The team reviewed submissions and selected a final group.
Selected creators relocate to Dubai for a three month residency. During this period, they receive structured training at the Beautiful Destinations Academy. Industry mentors rotate through the program. These mentors cover technical skills, storytelling, and production workflows. At the same time, participants work directly with Dubai Tourism. They create live campaigns while learning. As a result, the program combines education with real production experience.
Creator development and real world outcomes
It targets creators who already show strong skills. The program’s goal focuses on advancing creators from capable to professional level. Participants gain experience working with a tourism board under real deadlines. They also learn how to operate on professional sets.
One graduate from an early cohort of the Beautiful Destinations Academy later joined Beautiful Destinations full time. According to Armstrong, the creator demonstrated strong creative output and professional conduct. Client communication and on set behavior played a key role. These skills helped bridge the gap between content creation and filmmaking.
Lessons shared at the summit
During the summit discussion, Armstrong addressed common assumptions about creator growth. He explained that posting frequency often receives too much focus. Instead, Beautiful Destinations Academy prioritizes quality across all deliverables. High output does not replace strong storytelling or execution.
Armstrong also described the early creator industry as experimental. Testing formats and workflows remains part of development at the academy. However, consistent quality remains essential for long term success.
Role of the Beautiful Destinations Academy at the summit
At the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the Beautiful Destinations Academy served as a training model for tourism content. The program demonstrated how brands and creators can collaborate at scale. The Beautiful Destinations Academy continues to operate as a pathway for creators seeking professional experience in global tourism campaigns.
