Destinations International Honors VisitPITTSBURGH with CDME Designation

Destinations International (DI) announced that 31 industry leaders earned their Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation at the Annual Convention, which took place in St. Louis, Missouri.

 The following individuals from VisitPITTSBURGH were recognized for their CDME certification in St. Louis

• Brenda Hill, CDME, Vice President, Destination Services
• Jennifer M. Vacek, CDME, CASE, Director, Convention Sales

The CDME program, recognized as the highest educational achievement for destination management professionals, is designed to better prepare senior destination marketing organization (DMO) executives and managers for increasing change and competition, as well as become more effective organizational and community leaders.

“It is important that our staff is educated on the best business models and the latest trends and technologies in the travel industry so that we remain experts in our field and have the competitive edge over other cities,” VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Craig Davis said.

“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential, the tourism industry's highest individual achievement," DI President and CEO Don Welsh said. “These leaders have invested in their education and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry.”

Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. DI is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with more than 4,700 members and partners from nearly 600 destinations in approximately 15 countries, DI represents a powerful, forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people and elevating tourism to its highest potential.

VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. It is dedicated to generating convention, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.