Eleven DMOs Receive Industry Accreditation

January 2, 2012

Eleven destination marketing organizations have achieved accreditation from Destination Marketing Association International‘s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).

The accreditation program is designed to recognize DMOs that meet or exceed industry standards.

"Congratulations to these eleven destinations for receiving their DMAP accreditation," said James T. Wood, chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Louisville CVB.

He added, "The DMAP process is a comprehensive review of a DMO's business procedures and accountability. These DMOs have shown their dedication to continually providing customers with superior service in accordance with international standards and benchmarks. Their commitment to accreditation clearly demonstrates the type of leadership they possess in their community and for their stakeholders.”
 
The following DMOs achieved DMAP accreditation status for 2011-2015:

  • Fayetteville Area CVB (Fayetteville, N.C.)*
  • Lake Havasu City CVB (Lake Havasu City, Ariz.)
  • Las Vegas CVA (Las Vegas)*
  • Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB (Naples, Fla.)*
  • Poland CB (Warsaw, Poland)
  • Puerto Rico CB (San Juan)*
  • Richmond Metro CVB (Richmond, Va.)*
  • Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (Kelowna, BC Canada)
  • Tourism Vancouver Island (Nanaimo, BC Canada)
  • Visit Norfolk (Norfolk, Va.)*
  • Woodfield Chicago Northwest CB (Schaumburg, Ill.)*
  •  

*Renewed accreditation

"Adding three non-U.S.A. based DMOs to the distinguished ranks of accreditation this application cycle reflects the continued relevancy of the DMAP program on an international level,” said Michael D. Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.

He added, “Additionally, the renewal of seven DMOs' accreditation marks the sustainable and growing value of the program to the destination marketing industry and reinforces the power that the DMAP seal provides these organizations when communicating to stakeholders.”
 
DMAP's 135 accredited DMOs can be found in more than 70 percent of the U.S., as well as in Canada and Europe.
 
To become accredited, a DMO is required to provide evidence of compliance with 58 mandatory standards and 30 voluntary standards.

The standards set by DMAP cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships.
  

 

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