Stillwater, Okla (August 10, 2021) – Visit Stillwater was awarded with the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal 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 pleased to have Visit Stillwater join our distinguished group of professionals,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The industry distinction defines quality and performance standards for destination organizations and I look forward to welcoming them to the DMAP community.”
"By achieving DMAP accreditation, Visit Stillwater has demonstrated that they have developed strategies for the direction of their destination and the policies and procedures to safeguard the use of public dollars,” said Maura Allen Gast, FCDME, executive director at Visit Irving. Gast is a former chair of Destinations International, and recently served as chair of the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program board.
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, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales, communications, brand management, destination development, research and market intelligence, innovation, stakeholder relationships, and advocacy. Visit Stillwater joins the ranks of over 200 destination organizations who have obtained DMAP recognition.
The Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) is an independent global accreditation body and a leader in defining quality and performance in destination management. It serves as an effective indicator to the travel and tourism community that Visit Stillwater has attained a significant measure of excellence.
“We are honored to join Oklahoma City as one of only two organizations in the state to have achieved the highest standard of excellence in destination marketing,” said Chris Norris, Visit Stillwater Chairman of the Board. “Our team of three prepared and submitted over a hundred standards, many which included substantial policy manuals, to ensure our organization is operating in the best possible manner to provide the most benefit for our community.
Visit Stillwater has evolved as the sole-source provider of destination marketing, and as an integral community and economic development engine for Stillwater since its inception in 1985. The core mission is to enhance Stillwater’s economy, image, and quality of life through the promotion, marketing, and development of the region’s visitor economy.
