Washington, D.C. (August 31, 2017) – Destinations International and Travel Alberta recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program in Alberta Canada beginning in 2018. 

The CDME program is offered by Destinations International and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The certification program is part of Destinations International’s educational programs that elevate destination organizations’ credibility and effectiveness. CDME has a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies. 

“We are delighted to partner with Travel Alberta to offer this highly engaging and important professional development program,” said Tammy Blount, FCDME, Destinations International Chair and President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As a graduate, I know firsthand the lifelong benefits of CDME to individuals and the destination organizations they serve. Travel Alberta is showing extraordinary commitment to ensuring top-notch education for stakeholders in the province.”

“Supporting the professional development of Alberta’s destination organizations is key to strengthening the province’s competitive position,” said Shelley Grollmuss, Vice President Industry Development, Travel Alberta. “Travel Alberta’s partnership with Destinations International demonstrates our commitment, and at the same time, provides a cost-effective opportunity for Canadian and U.S. destination organizations outside Alberta to take part in the courses. Our organizations share a common goal of building the skills of our industry partners to be successful in a rapidly changing environment and we’re excited to be working in partnership with Destinations International to help make it happen.”

“This is an exciting partnership as we continue our commitment to expand our global footprint and to offer premier education and professional development opportunities to destination organizations,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “We look forward to welcoming many new Canadian members to the list of distinguished CDME recipients.”

To learn more about the CDME program, visit www.destinationsinternational.org. 

Destinations International

Destinations International (formerly Destination Marketing Association International) is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. Destinations International is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with more than 4,700 members and partners from nearly 600 destinations in approximately 15 countries, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people and elevating tourism to its highest potential. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.  

Travel Alberta 

Travel Alberta is the tourism marketing agency of the Government of Alberta. Its team of youthfully-spirited adventurers leads in marketing Alberta’s authentic experiences in breathtaking landscapes at home and around the world. Together with its partners and industry stakeholders Travel Alberta inspires travellers to explore Alberta, and assists Alberta’s tourism industry operators to market their products. For more information visit www.industry.travelalberta.com or www.travelalberta.com 

Media Contacts:

Destinations International
Caitlyn Blizzard
[email protected]
1.202.835.4202

Travel Alberta
Brie Thorsteinson-Ogle
[email protected]
403-630-5231