Global Event Partners (GEP), a consortium of 58 destination management companies (DMCs) representing more than 90 destinations, this week announced the immediate closure of its seven company-owned DMCs: GEP Washington, GEP Philly, GEP Baltimore, GEP Bahamas, GEP South Florida, GEP Utah and GEP Atlanta.
GEP Chairman and CEO Chris White said the move is designed to return the company to its original business model representing independently owned and operated DMCs.
“We felt it was in the best interest of the partnership to focus solely on our partners and return to our original business model that has been successful for almost 15 years now and made us an industry leader, along with our sister company Krisam Group,” White said in a statement.
Three GEP branded DMCs in Arizona, Spain and Las Vegas are licensed companies not owned by GEP and remain in business. GEP Orlando, meanwhile, will return to its previous ownership as Florida Coast to Coast.
All business that was contracted with the affected DMCs is being transferred to another DMC in the interim, and clients have been contacted directly with further information.
“We will continue to focus on the meeting professionals’ needs by providing them with the best in DMC destinations, coupled with Krisam’s 250 top meetings hotels and resorts worldwide, and the best in support from our 20 leading sales representatives,” White continued. “The bottom line is: We will now concentrate even more fully on service and personal attention to our partners, members and clients.”
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