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Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) & CVBs

Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are the hub of the VolunTourism Universe for a destination. It is through this portal that operators and suppliers reach potential VolunTourists. But there is much more to the role of the DMO.

The DMO bears witness to the importance of VolunTourism. How a DMO delivers this message as part of its internal com-munications, i.e., within a destination and its membership base, and externally, to the media and the general public, can make a significant impact on all stakeholders, especially the local environment and area residents.

Creativity is also essential. However, uniqueness is of utmost importance. If you have a unique event or activity in your destination, like the Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race in Bayfield, Wisconsin (left), you have removed "competition" from your VolunTourism catalog and introduced healthy differentiation. The opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind, or once-in-a-lifetime, experience is exactly what VolunTourists are seeking. And the great news is that every destination, regardless of size, comes "equipped" with an event or activity of this type.

Copyright © Bayfield Chamber of Commerce, All Rights Reserved

Listen To The "Small Destinations & VolunTourism" Webcast: Here
Robert D. Billington, President, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (Photo Courtesy of Ex-posure 1, All Rights Reserved)

A Case Study

An example of what is possible at the DMO level with VolunTourism can be seen through the recent work of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC). BVTC is using VolunTourism to support its initiative around sustainability and environmental conservation. VolunTourism.org Founder, David Clemmons and Kristin Lamoureux, Director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at The George Washington University, held an educational forum in the Blackstone Valley in June 2006. The forum was designed to assist local nonprofits, operators, and even the Rhode Island State Board of Tourism to discover the potential of bringing visitors that want to lend a hand in conjunction with seeing and contributing to this historic region known as the Birthplace of the United States Industrial Revolution.

Following initial discussion of the potential that VolunTourism has to offer, working groups developed itineraries that could be supported by the BVTC. It was from this workshop that an initial itinerary was created and is now posted on the BVTC Web site and on the Rhode Island State Board of Tourism Web site. Reviewing what the BVTC has done to craft an itinerary for VolunTourists that incorporates multiple venues and an array of voluntary service projects will give you some idea of how imaginative and collaborative you can be as a DMO.

Other DMOs & CVBs

Suggested Readings From The VolunTourist Newsletter

VolunTourism 231 - VolunTourism makes the small... LARGE in stature. It makes the seemingly quaint - EXTRAORDINARY. It can take a township and transform it into a METROPOLIS of service and tourism possibilities!

VolunTourism: The Next Destination - What destination is likely to be the next destination that embraces VolunTourism? This article offers possible answers and the reasons why certain destinations are poised to develop VolunTourism.

VolunTourism Vietnam - What can Vietnam offer in terms of VolunTourism? The folks at Buffalo Tours have some thoughts on this subject in answer to three questions posed to Sarah Griffin.

Special Report: Gulf Coast & New Orleans VolunTourism - What is New Orleans doing to coordinate the linkages between the tourism industry and the nonprofit sector? Answers from the Gulf Coast CVB and the New Orleans CVB help to enlighten us on the possibilities.

You can also see the effort other DMOs & CVBs have dedicated to VolunTourism including:

This list will continue to grow and at some point your DMO/CVB will appear here as well. We look forward to that day and are here to support your efforts in any way we can.

For additional resources, look to archives of The VolunTourist and other sections of this website. Should you have in-depth questions about how to approach VolunTourism as a DMO or CVB, feel free to contact us.

[Return To The Top]

THE VOLUNTOURIST - Past Webcasts for Destination Representatives

Kristen Sandstrom, Marketing & Events Manager, Bayfield Chamber Of Commerce & Visitor Bureau

Small Destinations & VolunTourism - January 22 , 2008

Synopsis

How are small destinations using the power of Volun-Tourism to draw individuals to their destinations? How can VolunTourism support the "off-season"? How are com-munities getting involved in making VolunTourism possible? And what can Volun-Tourists expect when they visit these smaller destinations? Guests address these topics and discuss others during this episode of The VolunTourist.

[Listen To The Webcast] (Click Here To Download)

Guests

Robert D. Billington, Ed.D, President, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council; Todd Russell, Youth Director, Church of Christ at Milan; Kristen Sandstrom, Marketing & Events Manager, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Bureau; Greg Tehven, Co-Founder, Students Today Leaders Forever.

Jim Santini, Legistalative Council for the National Tour Association

Professional & Trade Associations and VolunTourism - November 13, 2007

Synopsis

Guests discuss the connection between VolunTourism and trade and professional associations. What are associations doing to facilitate education and value-added propositions for their members as it relates to VolunTourism? Guests address these topics and discuss others during this episode of The VolunTourist.

[Listen To The Cast] (Click Here To Download)

Guests

Sarah Corradino, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); Ted Nelson, Heritage Clubs International; and Featured Guest, Jim Santini, National Tour Association.

Relief VolunTourism - September 11, 2007

Steve Richer, Former Executive Director of Gulfcoast CVB

Synopsis

Discussion focuses on discovering the connections between relief, following natural or man-made disasters, and VolunTourism. For example, when should VolunTourists come to a destination following a disaster? What should destinations do to be better prepared for future disasters and the outpouring of sympathy and desire to contribute from people around the world? Guests address these topics and discuss others during this episode of The VolunTourist.

[Listen To The Cast] Or (Click Here To Download)

Guests

Benjamin Brigham, DestinationRecovery.com, Featured Guest, Steve Richer, Former Executive Director of the Gulfcoast Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Mary Beth Romig, Director of Communications & Public Relations for the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

  
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