Research Analyst | Destination Strategy & Marketing

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

Who We Are

TOPOSOPHY is a destination development, marketing, and placemaking agency working at the crossroads of research, strategy, and experience design. For more than 15 years we’ve supported governments, DMOs, cultural institutions, and global organisations such as the European Travel Commission, Mastercard, UNDP, and UNWTO.

Our work spans the UK, Ireland, and Europe — from national tourism strategies and destination experience development plans to city masterplans and large-scale cultural events.

The Role

We are looking for a Research Analyst to join our Destination Strategy & Research team. This is a hybrid role, combining analytical rigour with client-facing delivery.

You will contribute to the design and execution of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), Destination Management Plans (DMPs), and other strategy projects across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Your work will range from advanced research and data analysis to running stakeholder workshops, public consultations, and presenting findings at industry events.

The right candidate will have experience moving seamlessly between research, strategy, and communication — someone who can both unpack complex data and stand in front of a room of stakeholders to bring it to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Research tourism trends, visitor behaviour, and policy developments in the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
• Benchmark DMOs, tourism boards, and destination marketing strategies internationally.
• Design and deliver quantitative and qualitative research, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Lead or support stakeholder and public consultation processes, from setup to facilitation and reporting.
• Contribute to Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) and Destination Management Plans (DMPs) with insights and evidence.
• Present research and recommendations in client workshops, industry keynotes, and stakeholder meetings.
• Turn complex research outputs into engaging reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Contribute to the production of white papers, trend reports, and thought-leadership outputs.
• Track emerging trends (sustainability, community-led tourism, digital tools, AI) and bring fresh approaches into projects.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• 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, 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