DMAP Accreditation Honors 33 Destinations at DI 2026 Convention

PORTLAND, Ore – Tourism leaders from around the world are gathering this week in Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 Destinations International Annual Conventionwhere the industry’s focus extends far beyond visitor numbers. Discussions throughout the convention center around destination stewardship, sustainability, community engagement, sports tourism, meetings and conventions, artificial intelligence, and the future of destination marketing organizations.

One of the most celebrated moments of the convention came when Destinations International (DI) announced that 33 destination organizations had either achieved or renewed Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) accreditation—the tourism industry’s highest internationally recognized standard for destination organizations.

The announcement recognizes nine newly accredited organizations and 24 organizations that successfully renewed their accreditationdemonstrating continued excellence in governance, destination management, marketing, financial accountability and community leadership.

Several destinations also earned the prestigious DMAP with Distinctionawarded only to organizations that exceed the already demanding accreditation standards.

The Gold Standard for Destination Organizations

Created by Destinations International, the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) is the only globally recognized accreditation program specifically developed for destination organizations.

Unlike tourism awards that recognize successful marketing campaigns or visitor numbers, DMAP evaluates how an organization operates. Independent reviewers examine nearly one hundred performance standards covering:

• Governance and leadership
• Financial management and accountability
• Strategic planning
• Destination stewardship
• Community engagement
• Marketing and branding
• Sales and convention development
• Human Resources
• Technology and innovation
• Advocacy and public policy

Accreditation assures governments, tourism stakeholders, local businesses and residents that their destination organization is managed according to internationally accepted best practices.

Organizations must undergo a comprehensive independent review and are required to renew their accreditation periodically, ensuring continuous improvement rather than a one-time achievement.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Achievement

“We are pleased to welcome these destination organizations to the distinguished DMAP community,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International.

“DMAP accreditation reflects a strong commitment to organizational excellence, accountability and service to the communities these organizations represent. We are grateful to the DMAP Board for its leadership and continued stewardship of this important industry program.”

Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara and Chair of the DMAP Board, emphasized the broader significance of accreditation.

“Achieving DMAP accreditation demonstrates that a destination organization meets the highest standards of professional practice. It provides stakeholders with confidence that the organization has the leadership, systems and expertise required to strengthen the visitor economy and create lasting value for visitors and residents alike.”

His comments echoed one of the convention’s central themes—that successful destination organizations today must serve not only visitors, but also residents, businesses and community partners.

Newly Accredited Destination Organizations

Florida’s Sports Coast / Pasco County, Florida

Adventure Sports in Florida | Florida Sports Coast

Florida’s Sports Coast offers everything for active sports adventure seekers whether it’s tennis, kayaking, golf, mountain biking, and so much more.

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast just north of Tampa, Florida’s Sports Coast has emerged as one of America’s fastest-growing sports tourism destinations. Purpose-built athletic complexes attract youth, collegiate and amateur competitions year-round while beaches, parks and waterfront communities encourage visitors to extend their stays. The destination primarily welcomes visitors from throughout the United States and Canada, with growing international visibility through sporting events.

Tourism Kingston – Ontario, Canada

Kingston occupies one of Canada’s most strategic tourism locations between Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal on Lake Ontario. Rich in Canadian history, waterfront attractions, museums, culinary experiences and higher education, Kingston attracts leisure travelers, meetings, conventions and cruise visitors. Domestic Canadian travel remains its strongest market, while visitors from the northeastern United States and overseas continue to grow.

Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and Sea Islands – South Carolina

The South Carolina Lowcountry offers one of America’s most authentic heritage tourism experiences. Historic Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands combine centuries of history, Gullah culture, waterfront beauty and outdoor recreation. Visitors arrive from across the Southeast and increasingly from international markets seeking authentic cultural experiences and coastal vacations.

Visit Charlotte / Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority – North Carolina

Charlotte continues to strengthen its position as one of America’s premier convention, sports and corporate travel destinations. Home to a major international airport, professional sports franchises, NASCAR attractions and one of the country’s largest banking sectors, the city welcomes millions of business and leisure visitors annually. Continued investment in hospitality infrastructure positions Charlotte for long-term international growth.

Visit College Station – Texas

Best known as the home of Texas A&M University, College Station enjoys a thriving visitor economy driven by collegiate athletics, academic conferences, reunions and educational tourism. Football weekends alone generate enormous economic activity, while meetings and conventions continue expanding throughout the year. Domestic visitors dominate, although international educational travel continues to increase.

Visit Overland Park – Kansas

Explore Overland Park | Events, Food, & Family Fun

Discover Overland Park, a family-friendly destination near Kansas City. From sports and shopping to festivals, there’s something for everyone!

Located within the Kansas City metropolitan region, Overland Park has become a respected meetings, sporting events and family travel destination. Modern conference facilities, recreational amenities and corporate headquarters generate steady business travel while leisure visitors benefit from excellent parks, shopping and dining. The destination continues expanding its role in the Midwest meetings market.

Play Qiddiya City – Saudi Arabia (DMAP with Distinction)

One of the world’s largest tourism development projects, Qiddiya City is being built southwest of Riyadh as Saudi Arabia’s future capital of entertainment, sports and culture. Part of Vision 2030, the project is expected to welcome millions of visitors annually while diversifying the Kingdom’s economy beyond oil. Receiving DMAP with Distinction demonstrates that international best practices are being incorporated from the earliest stages of destination development.

Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Florida (DMAP with Distinction)

Offering an authentic Gulf Coast experience, Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach attract visitors seeking boating, fishing, eco-tourism and relaxed coastal vacations. Canadian snowbirds remain an important market alongside visitors from throughout the United States and Europe. The destination’s emphasis on sustainable coastal tourism continues to strengthen its competitive position.

Visit Florida Keys – Florida (DMAP with Distinction)

THE FLORIDA KEYS VISITOR CENTER

The first stop Southbound as you enter the Florida Keys!

Located on your right at:
106240 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037

Stretching more than 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West, the Florida Keys remain among America’s most recognizable island destinations. Renowned for diving, fishing, sailing, coral reefs, marine conservation and island culture, the Keys welcome visitors from North America, Europe, Latin America and beyond. Environmental stewardship remains central to protecting one of the world’s most valuable marine tourism ecosystems.

Organizations Receiving DMAP Reaccreditation

The following destination organizations successfully renewed their accreditation, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the industry’s highest professional standards:

• Cobb Travel & Tourism
• Elkhart County CVB
• Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
• Heritage Corridor Destinations
• Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
• Meet Chicago Northwest
• New Orleans & Company
• Richmond Region Tourism
• Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
• Visit Boulder, the Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Visit Cincy
• Visit Dublin Ohio
• Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
• Visit Milwaukee
• Visit Shreveport Bossier
• Destination Dutchess
• St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
• Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (DMAP with Distinction)
• Destination Augusta (DMAP with Distinction)
• Discover Saskatoon (DMAP with Distinction)
• Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association (DMAP with Distinction)
• Visit Anchorage (DMAP with Distinction)
• Visit Greensboro (DMAP with Distinction)
• Visit Wichita (DMAP with Distinction)

Each reaccredited organization successfully demonstrated continued compliance with DMAP standards through a rigorous review process, reflecting an ongoing commitment to excellence rather than resting on previous achievements.

Tourism Leadership Focused on the Future

Throughout the Portland convention, destination executives are discussing some of tourism’s most pressing issues, including sustainable destination management, responsible tourism growth, workforce development, destination advocacy, artificial intelligence, sports tourism, international partnerships and the evolving role of destination organizations in improving quality of life for residents while strengthening local economies.

The accreditation announcements reinforced the message that successful destinations are increasingly measured not simply by visitor arrivals, but by their ability to build resilient organizations that benefit visitors, businesses and local communities alike.

As tourism continues to recover and evolve worldwide, the growing number of accredited destination organizations demonstrates that professional excellence, transparency and accountability have become essential ingredients for long-term destination success.

The 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention continues through the week in Portland, bringing together destination professionals from North America and around the world to share best practices, celebrate innovation and help shape the future of global tourism.