Research Analyst | Destination Strategy, Marketing & Research

Location: UK & Ireland Employment Type: Full-time Reporting to: Director, Destination Strategy

Who We Are

TOPOSOPHY is a leading destination development, marketing, and placemaking agency shaping how places thrive. With projects in over 36 countries, we collaborate with governments, businesses, and global organizations like EBRD, USAID, UNDP, ETC, Mastercard, and UNWTO to transform destinations into sustainable, vibrant places that attract visitors and enhance community well-being.

The Role

We are looking for a Research Analyst to support our Destination Strategy & Research team with high-quality research, data analysis, and strategic insights. This role will focus on tourism and travel insights, destination strategies, policies, and destination marketing to help shape the future of places and experiences.

You will work closely with the Director, Destination Strategy, supporting research that informs destination management organizations (DMOs), policymakers, and private-sector stakeholders. Your work will contribute to strategies that enhance visitor experience, strengthen tourism economies, and support sustainable destination development.

Key Responsibilities

Tourism & Destination Research

• Conduct research on tourism trends, travel behavior, visitor segmentation, and destination performance.
• Analyze economic, social, and cultural impacts of tourism to inform policy and destination planning.
• Track global DMO strategies, destination marketing campaigns, and tourism policy developments.
• Collect and analyze data on visitor flows, seasonality, and competitiveness in global tourism markets.

Data Analysis & Insights

• Use quantitative and qualitative research methods to generate tourism and destination intelligence.
• Apply GIS mapping, data visualization, and forecasting tools to illustrate key insights.
• Design and implement stakeholder and visitor surveys to gather data that informs strategic decision-making.
• Synthesize research into clear, actionable reports and recommendations for DMOs, governments, and businesses.

Destination Strategy & Policy Development

• Support the development of destination strategies and tourism policies that align with economic, sustainability, and marketing goals.
• Provide insights on placemaking, community engagement, and cultural tourism development.
• Identify best practices and case studies to inform destination growth strategies.

Destination Marketing & Brand Research

• Evaluate the effectiveness of destination marketing campaigns and visitor engagement strategies.
• Support brand positioning research for cities, regions, and national tourism boards.
• Analyze digital engagement trends, content strategies, and the impact of storytelling in tourism.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with DMOs, government agencies, tourism boards, and private-sector partners to align research with industry needs.
• Present research findings in client workshops, industry events, and internal strategy sessions.
• Write reports, presentations, and briefing documents to inform key stakeholders.

Emerging Trends & Innovation

• Explore AI-driven tourism research, smart destination strategies, and digital tools for visitor engagement.
• Stay ahead of trends in sustainable tourism, experience design, and future travel behaviors.
• Identify opportunities to integrate big data, mobility insights, and consumer intelligence into destination strategies.

• Tourism & Destination Expertise: Deep understanding of tourism trends, destination management, and place branding.
• Research & Data Analysis: Strong skills in tourism market analysis, visitor insights, and economic impact research.
• Data Visualization: Experience using GIS, Tableau, or other tools to present research findings effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex tourism data and provide clear strategic recommendations.
• Communication & Writing: Proven ability to write compelling reports, policy briefs, and industry insights.
• Collaboration: Experience working with DMOs, government agencies, tourism boards, and private-sector stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in tourism, urban planning, geography, marketing, economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of research experience in tourism, travel insights, destination strategies, or economic development.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, GIS, data visualization tools, and tourism analytics.
• Experience working with destination management organizations, tourism boards, or city marketing agencies.
• Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus).

• Competitive salary and private health insurance
• Work on global projects that impact destinations worldwide
• Career growth and mentorship in a dynamic, collaborative environment
• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options available)
• Professional equipment allowance to ensure you have the tools you need to perform at your best
• Professional development courses allowance to support continuous learning and career growth
• A diverse, international team shaping the future of destinations