Media Contact:
Caitlyn Blizzard
[email protected]
1.202.835.4202

Washington, D.C. (March 29, 2021) – Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, today announced the launch of the new Professional in Destination Management (PDM) certificate program, a cutting edge education program aimed at professionals new to the destination organization industry.

The newly revised and revamped PDM program is available on-demand on the Online Learning Center which offers flexibility of time and cost. The program is designed to help those new to the industry build specific competencies in destination organization management by completing a defined educational curriculum, developed by industry experts. Participants will learn:

• How destination organizations and the various departments within an organization function
• The role of a destination organization within a community
• How destination organizations enhance and benefit their communities
• How to sell your destination to business and leisure travelers 

The instructors are industry veterans, who will bring forth the necessary skills and knowledge to help entry level professionals start their careers in the travel and tourism industry. The instructors include:

• Maura Gast, FCDME, Executive Director, Irving, Texas CVB, Visit Irving
• Jack Wert, CDME, Executive Director, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB
• Kristin McGrath, CDME, Vice President of Sales, Services, Sports, Visit Albuquerque
• Wes Rhea, CDME, Chief Executive Officer, Visit Stockton

“Destinations International is committed to building up our industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International.” This newly designed program will provide our future leaders with the tools and insights they need to grow professionally and to make their organizations and destinations successful for the future. We are grateful for the time and resources the program instructors have provided in order to make this program successful.”

Upon successful completion of the Professional in Destination Management coursework and the post-course assessments, students will receive a certificate of completion from Destinations International.

About Destinations International:
Destinations 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 almost 6,000 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.