POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU ATTAINS DMAI ACCREDITATION

07/01/2008

Press Release/July 1, 2008
Alicia M. Quinn
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org 

POCONO MOUNTAINS VISITORS BUREAU ATTAINS DMAI ACCREDITATION

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA., July 1, 2008 –  The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) has achieved accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP*) for 2008-12.  Developed by Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the industry-wide accreditation program distinguishes official destination marketing organizations committed to industry excellence.

"It is a great honor to recognize the PMVB for their achievement," remarks Barry Biggar, CDME, the board chair of DMAP and president and CEO of the Bryan-College Station CVB.  "By completing the accreditation process, the PMVB has demonstrated exceptional leadership in destination marketing."

Currently there are a total of 58 accredited destination marketing organizations across the United States, with only three in the entire state of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, VisitPittsburgh and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau as the newest addition.

"This accreditation reflects the serious commitment the PMVB makes to providing outstanding services in accordance with international standards and benchmarks in this field," said Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the PMVB.  "We are proud to be one of the first 60 organizations to be certified.  We're honored to receive this Destination Marketing Accreditation from DMAI."

"There are many objectives behind the accreditation program, but it all comes back to increased credibility with customers," remarks Michael D. Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI.  "Earning DMAP accreditation tells the Pocono Mountainscommunity and potential visitors that the PMVB has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed and their business in good hands."

Earning the accreditation is no small feat.  It is an involved process which required the cooperation and involvement of every PMVB department in its execution.  The rigorous standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, human resources, technology, marketing, visitor services, group services, sales, communications, membership, management, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships.

*DMAP is an independent international accreditation body and a leader in defining quality and performance issues in destination marketing. For additional information on DMAP visit www.destinationmarketing.org.

About the Pocono Mountains

With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks. 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains. 

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts. 

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.   

# # #