DMAI Announces Newly Accredited Destinations and Board Members of Accreditation Program
March 3, 2014
Destination Marketing Association International awarded 10 new destinations the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal, designed to “illustrate a DMO's commitment to industry excellence and to raising the performance and accountability of DMOs around the world."
"DMAP accreditation requires DMOs to demonstrate compliance across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence," said Jack Wert, DMAP Board Chair.
He added, "We are pleased to have these DMOs join our distinguished group and congratulate the DMOs who successfully renewed their accreditation. I look forward to their participation and influence as a part of the growing DMAP community."
Since January, 2007 180 DMOs have earned their accreditation. To become accredited, a DMO must successfully comply with 58 mandatory and 30 voluntary standards in areas that include governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research.
The following organizations have been approved for accreditation in 2013, with 29 destinations renewing their accreditation status for an additional four years.
Newly Accredited DMOs
- Banff Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, Canada
- Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Minn.
- Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iowa
- Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Texas
- Louisiana Office of Tourism, La.
- Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mexico
- Nebraska Tourism Commission, Neb.
- Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, N.J.
- Tourism Burnaby, Canada
- VisitTulsa, Okla.
Jack Wert, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau has been elected chair of the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) board. Shelly Green, president and CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, will serve as immediate past Chair/DMAI Liaison and Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, will serve as incoming board vice chair.
"I would thank to give thanks to Shelly for all of her efforts and service during her time as DMAP board chair, as well as Jim Woods, who is leaving the board this year, for his tireless commitment to the DMAP Board during his tenure," said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.
He added, "Thanks to their efforts, the DMAP program has grown to be an international standard of recognition. We currently have accredited DMOs throughout the United States as well as Europe, Australia, Korea, Canada and Mexico."
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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