Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) announced a new multiyear Alliance Partner agreement with Travel Channel Media, operator of the popular U.S. cable network, the Travel Channel.  DMAI reserves Alliance Partner status for a select group of service and product providers that are valuable resources for destination marketing organizations (DMOs).
 
The Travel Channel – also the sponsor of DMAI’s Annual Convention closing night celebration – provides DMOs an opportunity to engage affluent travelers, who want to experience the world and immerse themselves in new cultures, through the power of television and the web.
 
“We are delighted to welcome the Travel Channel as one of our top industry partners,” said Michael D. Gehrisch, president & CEO, DMAI.  “No medium brings a destination to life like television, and the Travel Channel is the only television network devoted exclusively to travel entertainment. With a reach that surpasses 91 million U.S. cable homes, this new partnership will reveal some truly exceptional opportunities for DMOs to promote their destinations to avid travelers.”
 
As part of the agreement, the Travel Channel will be the exclusive sponsor of DMAI’s upcoming industry awareness campaign which will launch this summer and use broadcast, print and online media outlets to elevate travelers’ consciousness of DMOs and local tourist boards.  Commercials aired on the Travel Channel, and placed on travelchannel.com, will encourage the traveling public to seek destination information from DMOs.
 
“DMAI is widely recognized as the preeminent organization representing tourism boards and DMOs.  As the Travel Channel continues to take a more active role in supporting global travel and tourism, this partnership brings enormous benefit o both parties and the industry as a whole,” said Patrick Younge, president and general manager, Travel Channel Media.  “Travel Channel’s aligned businesses are unrivaled in their ability to reach passionate U.S. travelers, and are the ideal outlets for DMAI members eager to showcase their destinations and travel services."