Visit Chicago Southland Receives International Designation

Visit Chicago Southland was awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation by Destinations International, in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world.

“We are delighted to welcome Visit Chicago Southland 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 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.”

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 to gain this momentous achievement. 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.

“Accreditation through DMAP underscores the critical role destination organizations play in their communities,” stated Tania Armenta, president and 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 the organization managing the destination brand possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to beneficially influence the visitor economy for both tourists and local residents.”

Visit Chicago Southland achieved accreditation with distinction, an honor reserved for those destination organizations that go beyond meeting the required standards of accreditation to truly showcase the breadth of their operation and their commitment to advancing the destination they serve.

“For Visit Chicago Southland to be globally recognized by receiving Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation shows commitment to not only our industry but to the Chicago Southland, as well,” said Visit Chicago Southland president/CEO Mary Patchin. “DMAP defines 100 quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management signifying the importance of a destination management organization (DMO) or Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) meeting the highest of industry standards, which Visit Chicago Southland has achieved with the completion of this program.”