Visit Topeka Achieves Destination Marketing Accreditation

Topeka, Kan. (April 9, 2010) – Visit Topeka Inc. announced today that it has been awarded accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), an international accreditation program for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) developed by Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

In earning the DMAP accreditation Visit Topeka Inc. had to exhibit a significant measure of excellence with the global DMO community. Only 106 other DMOs are currently accredited worldwide.

“Visit Topeka is honored to receive the Destination Marketing Accreditation from DMAP,” said Olivia Simmons, president and CEO. “The entire Visit Topeka staff worked very hard on obtaining this achievement and it confirms that VTI is well-equipped to successfully market Topeka and continue to bring in future business.”

“By fulfilling the high standards required for DMAP accreditation, Visit Topeka has demonstrated a commitment to quality services and organizational protocol,” said Diana Lawson, FCDME, DMAP board chair. “The bureau conformed to 16 standards from governance to sales and innovation. Their accreditation puts them in an elite group of travel and tourism destination marketing organizations in the world.”

DMAP accreditation standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation, stakeholder relationships, and sales.

For sales specifically, VTI’s application demonstrated how its 2009 sales efforts directly generated $115,827,738 to the local economy from conventions, conferences, sporting events, and group tours hosted in 2009.

Visit Topeka Inc. is dedicated to improving the area economy through marketing the region as an exceptional destination for meetings, events and tourism. Visit Topeka Inc. is committed to advocating for community development that will not only attract more visitors, but will enhance the community’s quality of life.

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