CLEVELAND (Sept. 17, 2015) - Destination Cleveland, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Greater Cleveland, recently earned reaccreditation from Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) in recognition of the organization's ability to meet or exceed worldwide industry standards. The Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal was first awarded in 2007, and Cleveland's CVB was the first DMAI-accredited organization of its kind in the nation.
The DMAP standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of Destination Cleveland's operations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, branding, communications, destination development and research. Compliance is required across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and additional voluntary standards.
"DMAP accreditation requires organizations like Destination Cleveland to truly evaluate and define not only their policies and procedures, but also determine their guiding principles and solidify their importance to their communities in all they do," said Jack Wert, board chair, DMAP.
Destination Cleveland continues as part of a coveted group of more than 200 organizations that have obtained DMAP recognition, a distinction achieved by only one-third of DMAI's total membership. The seal is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence.
"Earning this distinction serves as validation of the work we do to drive economic impact in Northeast Ohio," said David Gilbert, president and CEO, Destination Cleveland. "We take very seriously the role we play in changing the narrative about Cleveland as a desirable leisure visitor and convention destination and appreciate DMAI's recognition of our dedication to meeting or exceeding key industry standards."
"We are pleased to have Destination Cleveland continue as part of our distinguished group and look forward to their participation and influence as a part of the growing DMAP community," added Valencia Bembry, senior vice president of accreditation and strategic initiatives, DMAI.
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Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes nearly 17 million visitors annually. For more information, visit ThisisCleveland.com.
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) protects and advances the success of destination marketing worldwide. DMAI's influential membership includes nearly 600 official destination marketing organizations (DMOs), also known as tourism boards or Convention and Visitor Bureaus, from nearly 20 countries that command $2.5 billion in annual budgets. As the world's largest and most reliable resource for DMOs, it provides more than 3,700 individual members - professionals, industry partners, educators and students - the most innovative and relevant educational resources, networking opportunities and marketing intelligence worldwide. For more information, visit www.destinationmarketing.org.