After an extensive one-year review of its policies, practices and related organization procedures by…
After an extensive one-year review of its policies, practices and related organization procedures by The Institute for Convention & Visitors Bureau Accreditation (ICVBA), the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has been designated an Accredited Destination Management Organization (ADMO) – Accredited With Distinction. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB is currently one of nine accredited organizations in the country that has successfully completed the accreditation process.
To receive the ADMO designation, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB was called upon to demonstrate professionalism, organization development and expertise in 11 compulsory CVB standards. In addition, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB demonstrated additional expertise in four elective standards resulting in the status of Accredited With Distinction.
The ICVBA used a combination of document and collateral review, infrastructure evaluation, on-site visitation and collaborative communication to assign a numerical rating to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB in these compulsory and elective standards. To obtain accreditation, a pre-determined rating threshold must be met. St. Petersburg/Clearwater exceeded that threshold, earning the ADMO – Accredited With Distinction designation.
With the ADMO – Accredited With Distinction designation, St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB is justified in claiming status as a leader in the destination management industry. According to Diana Lawson, ICVBA Board President, “earning the ADMO designation provides enhanced credibility, demonstrates proven excellence, and confers broader recognition and accountability for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB. Visitors, constituents and colleagues all know that when they contact the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB, they are dealing with the best in the industry. That enhances the images of the entire community in the eyes of the leisure, group and business traveler.”
Carole Ketterhagen, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area CVB Executive Director, is justifiably proud to earn the ADMO designation, yet notes that there is much work yet to be done.
“This program is a great first step toward acknowledging the importance of the professionalism and expertise in the destination management industry,” said Ketterhagen. “Our goal is to use this designation as a springboard to continually upgrade the service we offer to visitors and constituents. The ADMO designation confirms that the basic structure and organization accountability are in place to do just that for our publics.”
The ICVBA was formed in 200 with the mission of increasing the overall awareness and standard of professionalism in convention & visitors bureau organizations in order to enhance credibility through accountability and best service among its varied publics and within the destination management profession.
The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is responsible for the promotional growth of tourism – Pinellas County’s major industry. The group’s purpose is to strengthen the county’s economy and employment by investing the Tourist Development Tax receipts in a comprehensive, successful and research-driven tourism marketing program. The CVB is the countywide management and marketing organization responsible for developing and promoting the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area as a leisure, business, convention, conference sports and film production destination. Boosted by the CVB’s program of strong public relations and direct sales, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has seen record tourism for 13 of the last 14 years.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
