Destination Marketing Accreditation Program DMAP

1
Destination Marketing Accreditation Program
(DMAP)
2
What is Accreditation?

• A conformity assessment process where an
  organisation uses experts in a particular field
  of interest or discipline to define standards of
  acceptable operation/performance for applicants
  and measure compliance with them

3
Attributes of Accreditation Programs

• Voluntary process
• Non-governmental
• Long term commitment by applicants to continuous
  improvement
• International focus
• Dynamic standards
• Branding value for sponsoring organisation and
  applicants
• Renewal process

4
What is Certification?

• A recognition of individual of professional
  achievement bestowed by an outside organisation.

5
Why is Accreditation Important?

• Provides a good method to assure staff, volunteer
  leadership and external stakeholders (customers,
  members, partners) that the organisation is
  following proper practices and performing at an
  acceptable level for the industry.

6
Fact or Fiction?

• Your stakeholders understand the concept of
  accreditation and its meaning in the DMO world!

7
Fiction

• Accreditation concepts are not well understood in
  many settings outside of academia and health
  care.
• New accreditation programs need to tell the
  accreditation story.
• Applicants have a duty to help/assist in this
  communication process.
• Customers/planners should look for the DMAP Seal.

8
Fact or Fiction?

• Preparing your application is the greatest
  benefit of participating in the process!

9
Fact

• Achieving and maintaining the designation is
  important, but preparing for your review is often
  cited as the most valuable benefit by many
  applicants.
• DMOs may achieve some of this benefit as soon as
  they begin the journey to achieving accreditation.

10
Fact or Fiction?

• Since my DMO is a high performing organisation
  that is widely recognized for its sound
  management and innovative programs/services, we
  do not need to apply for accreditation!

11
Fiction

• Strong performing entities in many fields do not
  initially apply for accreditation, but achieving
  peer reviewed recognition provides much more
  credibility than any self-proclamation!
• Even the best performing DMOs will want the
  benefits of this recognition at some point in
  their organisational evolution.

12
Fact or Fiction?

• Since my DMO cannot meet some of the
  accreditation standards, we do not need to be
  involved in this program!

13
Fiction

• Accreditation is more of a long term improvement
  process than a single event.
• All potential applicants can benefit by beginning
  a path of achievement regardless of how long it
  will take.
• All DMO professionals need to play an active role
  in the development of this program regardless of
  current position.

14
What Can Customers Buyers Expect?

• More than 20 standards focused on service to the
  group and leisure customer.

15
What Can the Buyer Do?

• Ask the Question
• Are you Accredited?

16
Destination Marketing Accreditation Program
(DMAP)