Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc. and President and CEO Don Welsh today announced a partnership with George Washington University to deliver a reimagined, cutting-edge and global Professional in Destination Management (PDM) program for today’s destination management professionals.  The new PDM program is designed to prepare entry to mid-level professionals with the skills and knowledge critical to successful destination management and marketing. 

The comprehensive educational program includes seven core courses – three conducted in a classroom setting and four available online – and is available to individuals interested in the travel and tourism industry.  The Fundamentals course will debut the program during DMAI’s Annual Convention on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.  Registration is now open.  

“One of DMAI’s key priorities this year has been to reinvent our educational programs so that they are relevant and meaningful to industry professionals regardless of where they are in their careers,” said Sherwin. “To help us fulfill this mission, we are thrilled to partner with George Washington University to help us reimagine and deliver the PDM program. Their longstanding expertise and commitment in the travel industry sector makes them the perfect choice to co-create this course for a new generation of destination organization leaders.”

The core content areas include: the fundamentals of destination organizations; destination development and management; governance and finance; destination organization operations; membership and communications; marketing and research, and sales and group services.  

“The new PDM program is the result of the Association’s 2017 Business Plan released earlier this year,” said Welsh. “It aligns with the four key pillars of our new brand -- Community, Advocacy, Research and Education. We will continue to deliver important and impactful offerings, including research, networking opportunities, professional and organizational development, all with the intent to keep entry-level and even C-level leaders ahead of the industry curve.”  

Upon successful completion of the required seven courses students will receive a Professional in Destination Management Certificate from The George Washington University School of Business and DMAI.