The Daejeon International Marketing Enterprise (DIME) of Daejeon, South Korea, has become the first destination marketing organization (DMO) to achieve accreditation under its Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) announced yesterday.
DMAI now has accredited 138 destinations on three continents, including destinations in 35 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as destinations in Canada and Europe.
"Congratulations to DIME for successfully achieving DMAP accreditation and joining 137 additional DMOs in demonstrating a commitment to industry excellence," said DMAP Chair Shelly Green, president and CEO of the Durham CVB in Durham, N.C. "Their accreditation is particularly significant since, while meeting these standards is challenging for any DMO, it is even more difficult when the application is not in one's native language. They are to be commended for their diligence."
Added DMAI President and CEO Michael D. Gehrisch, "The significance of DMAP's brand continues to expand, strengthening destination marketing organizations worldwide. This marks a major milestone for the program now that accredited DMOs can be found in more than 70 percent of the United States as well as in Canada, Europe and Asia. With DMOs holding themselves to a higher standard, meeting planners, travelers and local stakeholders alike can rest assured that their business is in good hands."
DMAP accreditation is awarded for a period of five years to DMOs that successfully complete a rigorous application process proving their compliance with 54 mandatory standards and 33 voluntary ones. The standards include topics as varied as governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships.
Concluded DIME CEO Chae Hoon, "Through acquiring accreditation through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, DIME gains momentum to improve the city's brand internationally and to increase its contribution to development of Daejeon."