DMAI Gives 12 DMOs Accreditation
-- Tradeshow Week, 7/21/2008
Twelve destination marketing organizations recently received accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), which is run by Destination Marketing Assn. Intl. The DMAP recognizes official DMOs that have committed to industry excellence.
The 12 DMOs that attained accreditation status for 2008-2012 are:
- Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Cobb County (Georgia) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Elkhart County (Indiana) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Greater Madison (Wis.) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Knoxville (Tenn.) Tourism & Sports Corporation
- Lexington (Ky.) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Newport Beach (Calif.) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Paducah (Ky.) Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania) Visitors Bureau
- Tourism Victoria (British Columbia, Canada)
“It is a great honor to recognize these organizations for their achievement,” said Barry Biggar, board chair of DMAP. “By completing the accreditation process, these DMOs have demonstrated exceptional leadership in destination marketing.”
This cycle also marked a milestone for the DMAP with Elkhart County being the first DMO to renew its accreditation. “We are indeed proud to recognize their continuing efforts to excel in destination marketing,” Biggar said.
There are currently 58 accredited DMOs. DMAI officials said they expect nearly 100 more to be accredited by the end of this year's application process.
“We are really excited to receive our DMAI accreditation as it demonstrates our dedication to the highest ethics and standards in our industry,” said Susan Greer, director of publicity for the O/OCCVB. “It also challenges us to continue to develop leading-edge, quality programs and services for our tourism community and our business and leisure visitors.”
To gain accreditation, a DMO must complete the application process, which includes 54 mandatory standards and 33 voluntary standards.
“There are many objectives behind the accreditation program, but it all comes back to increased credibility with customers,” said Michael D. Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.
