The globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. Achieving DMAP accreditation positions Visit Estes Park as a valued and respected organization in our community and increases our credibility among stakeholders. VEP received its 8-year reaccreditation in March 2024 after completing a rigorous reevaluation process. Additionally, in 2024 VEP received accreditation with distinction. In order to become accredited, VEP had to meet and/or complete all of the following items.
To become accredited, Visit Estes Park demonstrated compliance with more than 100 performance standards. Accreditation standards are set by an independent panel of industry veterans representing a diverse selection of destination organizations. Standards are regularly revisited and revised to reflect the evolution of best practices in our industry. The accreditation standards include 20 optional Aspirational Standards. These are standards which are not necessarily established as best practices in the industry, but which are quickly becoming the norm. It is the expectation that Aspirational Standards will become required standards at some point in the future.
Beginning in 2020, Destinations International began recognizing select outstanding destination organizations with a new tier of accreditation, Accreditation with Distinction. This recognizes destination organizations that set the bar of excellence for our industry. To become Accredited with Distinction, Visit Estes Park was required to meet three criteria: