LAFAYETTE, LA – The Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission (LCVC) was awarded accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) for meeting the rigorous standards established by the professional destination marketing community.

LCVC was originally awarded accreditation in 2008, making it the first destination management organization (DMO) to achieve that honor in Louisiana. The LCVC staff works year-round to attract group and individual visitors, as well as meetings, sports events and reunions. This is accomplished through a variety of activities including tradeshows, sales missions, advertising, publicity and online marketing.

“It's an honor for our organization to be re-accredited by the DMAP Program,” said Ben Berthelot, LCVC President and CEO. “Through the re-accreditation process, we were able to look closely at our organization and plan strategically for the future in order to keep up with industry standards. To be recognized by the destination marketing community for meeting quality standards is very exciting and shows our commitment to excellence.”

DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, DC based Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In earning the DMAP accreditation, DMOs communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that their DMO has attained a significant measure of excellence. Accreditation standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships.

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Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission:
LCVC serves as a promotional and marketing coordinator for Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana parishes. It was established in 1974 and is funded primarily by a 4 percent lodging tax in Lafayette Parish. www.Lafayette.travel

Destination Marketing Association International:
As the global trade association for official DMOs, DMAI protects and advances the success of destination marketing worldwide. Its membership includes over 600 official DMOs with more than 4,100 staff members in over 15 countries that command more than $2 billion in annual budgets. www.destinationmarketing.org