FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 31, 2024 CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods receives DMAP designation at Destinations International’s Annual Convention
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods was awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International. The designation recognizes the organization's commitment to industry excellence and dedication to the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.
Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods is the global destination marketing organization (DMO) known locally as the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB).
“This stamp of approval represents our continued commitment to Lee County tourism,” said Tamara Pigott, Lee County VCB executive director. “We are proud to shine a light on the Fort Myers area as a destination and to create economic opportunity for the community through tourism.”
The reaccreditation continues the legacy of high performance standards achieved in its original accreditation on April 1, 2007.
The accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas. The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research.
“We are delighted to welcome Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods to our esteemed DMAP community," stated Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. "The relevance of destination organizations has never been more vital to the economic vitality of the places Destinations International members serve, and this industry accreditation is a benchmark for quality and performance. My gratitude extends to the DMAP Board of Directors for their dedication to our industry and their stewardship of this crucial program."
"Accreditation through DMAP underscores the critical role that destination organizations play in their communities," stated Tania Armenta, president & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and chair of the DMAP Board of Directors. "As custodians of their destinations' brands, participation in DMAP underscores a destination organization’s adherence to rigorous standards. This commitment is a clear signal to stakeholders that the organization managing the destination brand possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to beneficially influence the visitor economy for both tourists and local residents."
For more information about DMAP, visit destinationsinternational.org.
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About Destinations International: Destinations International is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit destinationsinternational.org.
About Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods include: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.
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