As a move to further expand its operations around the globe the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is opening its European office. Located in Brussels, Belgium, the new office is managed by…
As a move to further expand its operations around the globe the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is opening its European office. Located in Brussels, Belgium, the new office is managed by Titta Rosvall, Managing Director, DMAI European Office.
As the association’s first office located outside the United States, the Brussels office provides a permanent point of contact for education and business development opportunities for professionals employed at European destination marketing organizations (DMOs). The office will also focus on enhancing the association’s identity throughout Europe.
“We have two goals,” remarked Michael D. Gehrisch, DMAI President & CEO. “First, to truly globalize our membership with representation outside of North America; and, more important, to provide the resources that destination marketing professionals around the world need to succeed. These tools include education opportunities such as our Sales Academy and Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) programs, as well as our extensive work on destination branding and performance reporting.”
The development of the global office was a clear mandate that came from DMAI’s Strategic Planning Meeting in October 2005. “Our membership is very interested in strengthening the ‘I’ in DMAI,” said William D. Talbert III, CDME, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor Bureau and Chair of the DMAI Board of Directors.
Regarding the DMAI expansion into Europe and the United Kingdom, Lars Bernhard Jorgensen, Managing Director of Wonderful Copenhagen, and member of DMAI Global Committee commented, “For many years DMAI has facilitated the development of North American market by sharing best practice and developing tools. Thanks to the DMAI European expansion, it is now possible for European DMOs to tap into this professional tool box.”
BACD joins Global Expansion Program
As part of its global expansion program, DMAI also welcomes the British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) as an industry partner. BACD is the trade association representing conference destination marketing organizations across the British Isles.
As part of the partnership, DMAI membership has been extended to all full members of BACD, including four national tourist boards. “The agreement provides added value to our DMO members and brings all UK destinations into the global meetings and destination marketing industry,” said Tony Rogers, BACD Chief Executive.
“This partnership with BACD could not be timelier,” commented Sandi Talley, CMP, DMAI’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and Membership. “With our Brussels office opening, we now have dedicated staff in place to deliver highly valued products and services to our European members.”
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