“Earning the DMAP accreditation assures members of the local DMO, local government officials, visitors and business partners that their trust is well-placed in the DMO,” remarks Michael D. Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. “It assures these stakeholders that the city’s tourism business is in good hands.”
Thirteen organizations completed the application and approval processes in October.
These DMOs include:
“As we complete the first year of DMAP, we are extremely pleased to have a total of 40 DMOs accredited. It is a great honor to recognize these organizations for their achievement,” remarks Barry Biggar, CDME, the board chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Bryan-College Station CVB. “By completing the accreditation process, these DMOs have demonstrated exceptional leadership in destination marketing. Their accreditation underscores their dedication and commitment to providing outstanding destination marketing services in accordance with international standards and benchmarks in this field.”
To become accredited a DMO must successfully complete a rigorous application process, requiring evidence of compliance with 54 mandatory standards and 33 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.
Michael Verikios - Tuesday, November 13, 2007