Why DMAP
Are you looking to strengthen your DMO’s credibility within your community?
Do you want the world to know that your organization meets the rigorous industry standards set forth by Destinations International?
Then DMAP may be right for you!
The globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management.
DMAP requires an organization to demonstrate compliance with standards that cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations (DMO), including:
- Communications
- Destination Development
- Finance
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Research
- Sales
- Technology
By achieving DMAP accreditation, a DMO demonstrates to its board, stakeholders, and community that it:
- Is dedicated to organizational excellence and industry best practices.
- Is committed to continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and accountability.
- Meets or exceeds globally recognized standards for destination management and marketing.
- Operates with sound governance, transparency and responsible stewardship.
Making the Case for Accreditation
We know that sometimes it’s not up to you to decide if your DMO is able to participate in the accreditation process. Aside from financial considerations, juggling application prep with the rest of your work can seem challenging, especially if you’re on a lean team. That said, making time for organizational growth and recognition can allow you to better support your organization’s mission and stakeholders.
Download and customize this sample letter to your DMO leadership.
Hear From Your Peers
"We include our DMAP accreditation in our sales conversations and presentations - it's a great way to show clients our commitment to industry standards. DMAP assures that a DMO operates with consistency, accountability, and excellence. It sets a clear benchmark of how we manage leads, protect client confidentiality, and stay aligned with evolving industry practices, giving clients confidence that they're working with a destination partner who meets well-defined, industry-wide standards."
MICHELLE MOORE
Sr. Director of Meeting Sales & Services
Experience Kissimmee, FL
"The DMAP process gave Explore Brookhaven the opportunity to take a step back, evaluate how we operate, and strengthen our organization for the future. It helped our team identify best practices, refine our policies, and ensure we are providing the highest level of service to our stakeholders and visitors. My advice to other destinations is to embrace the process with an open mind—it isn't just about earning accreditation; it's about building a stronger, more effective destination organization."
TIM GROW
Executive Director
Explore Brookhaven, GA
"Achieving DMAP accreditation is more than earning a designation—it has strengthened our organization and reaffirmed our commitment to excellence. As we continue to grow, DMAP will help ensure we remain focused on delivering exceptional value to our destination and operating according to internationally recognized best practices. Ultimately, this designation positions our organization to be an even stronger advocate for the visitor economy, a trusted partner for our stakeholders, and a leader in shaping the future of tourism in our region."
GORDON ORR
CEO
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, ON
"Leading the River Parishes Tourist Commission through the DMAP accreditation process has been one of the highlights of my professional career. The work was challenging, and there were a few late nights along the way. I realized that every standard was helping us become a better organization—not just preparing us for accreditation. By the time we received our accreditation, we had stronger governance, better documentation, and greater confidence in how we operate."
WILLMA HARVEY
Director of Sales and Business Development
River Parishes Tourist Commission, LA