Visitors Bureau Recognized for Excellence

The is the top destination for tourists seeking information about the destination of Santa Monica. Now, the organization's success is being recognized by a worldwide destination-marketing group.

The SMCVB has been accredited by Destination Marketing Association International, it was announced Tuesday morning. The group's Destination Marketing Accreditation Program highlights destination-marketing organizations that meet or exceed standards in the industry.

"SMCVB prides itself on upholding the highest standards in our approach, strategies and procedures of marketing Santa Monica as not only the quintessential California beach city but also as a world-class travel destination," SMCVB President/CEO Misti Kerns said in a statement. "We are thrilled to be honored with an accreditation from such a prestigious organization as DMAI. ... We look forward to partnering with DMAI to bolster Santa Monica's visibility on an international stage."

City Manager Rod Gould also cheered the news.

"SMCVB earning this major industry recognition proves the credibility, dedication and commitment to international standards and benchmarks on behalf of our community," he said in a statement. "We count on the good work of SMCVB to convey to the world all that Santa Monica has to offer."

There are 130 destination-marketing organizations that are accredited by DMAI. In order to achieve accreditation, an organization has to apply and submit documentation that shows the group complies with mandatory and voluntary industry standards laid out by DMAP.

Standards include:

• brand management

• communications

• destination development

• finance

• governance

• group services

• human resources

• innovation

• management

• membership

• research/market intelligence

• sales

• stakeholder relationships

• technology

• visitor services

For more on the SMCVB, check out to the late Thelma Parks, who worked for the organization for 23 years.