Visit Topeka Inc., Topeka’s official destination management organization, reached another milestone this week. 

The organization received the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program seal by Destinations International for meeting industry standards for performance and accountability.

“Only a small percentage of destinations will ever earn this distinction, and doing so shows a dedication to professionalism that makes your destination stand apart,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, headquartered in Washington, D.C. “The DMAP process ensures best practices are rigorously followed and key activities are measured consistently. These are all hallmarks of an outstanding organization.”

To achieve accreditation requires a destination marketing organization to successfully comply with mandatory and voluntary standards that span several performance areas.  Visit Topeka Inc. is one of just over 200 international destination organizations who have obtained DMAP recognition.

Visit Topeka’s success is highlighted by the economic impact of tourism to Topeka & Shawnee County. Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, reports that travel and tourism in Shawnee County have an annual economic impact of over $400 million. 

“Gaining re-accreditation through Destinations International proves that our hard work and vision are paying off,” said Brett Oetting, President & CEO of Visit Topeka. “The staff continues to push the boundaries of what Visit Topeka can do for the community and we are super honored to be recognized by the top tourism organization in the world for our efforts.”

In recent news, Visit Topeka Inc. is one of the founding members of the newly organized Greater Topeka Partnership, a 501c6 organization comprised of the city’s economic development organizations with the goal of advancing the community’s strategic initiatives and making Topeka & Shawnee County a better place to live, work, and play.