Medellín’s Convention & Visitors Bureau Receives High Quality Accreditation

The Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau has been officially accredited with the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal by Destinations International, a global destination promotion organization. This means that Medellín has an organization aligned with the highest international standards of quality, performance, ethics, and governance.

This recognition coincides with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Bureau of Medellín and Antioquia, and marks the step toward a new era with greater international visibility, public-private partnerships with foreign partners, attracting high-impact global events, tourism investment, and generating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“This certification goes beyond recognition; it positions us among the global standards of great destinations. Receiving it right in our 20th anniversary reaffirms that Medellín is moving forward with vision and purpose. Being the first in Colombia to achieve this is a source of collective pride that boosts our city-region narrative and demonstrates that meaningful tourism marketing is both possible and necessary,” said Juliana Cardona Quirós, Executive Director of the Greater Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The recognition certifies that the organization meets the highest standards of quality, management, and performance in the destination marketing industry. Photo credit: Medellín Mayor’s Office.

With more than 1.4 million tourists expected in 2024 and a projected 1.8 million by 2025, Medellín becomes the first city in Colombia and the third in Latin America to receive this accreditation, along with Monterrey and Guadalajara (Mexico), placing it on the radar of major destinations around the world.

Destination International grants the certification after evaluating more than 100 mandatory and voluntary standards in areas such as governance, sustainability, finance, human resources, research, communications, sales, destination development, and stakeholder engagement.

With more than 8,000 members and partners in 750 cities, the organization also leads the professional development of destination organizations worldwide, and its DMAP program represents the highest validation standard for convention bureaus, visitor bureaus, and tourism promotion agencies.

Video and photo credit: Medellín Mayor’s Office.