Destinations International and Travel Alberta Announce Partnership to Offer CDME Program in 2018

September 5, 2017

Destinations International and Travel Alberta recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program in Alberta Canada beginning in 2018.

The CDME program is offered by Destinations International and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.

The certification program is part of Destinations International’s educational programs that elevate destination organizations’ credibility and effectiveness. CDME has a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies.

“We are delighted to partner with Travel Alberta to offer this highly engaging and important professional development program,” said Tammy Blount, FCDME, Destinations International chair and president and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She added, “As a graduate, I know firsthand the lifelong benefits of CDME to individuals and the destination organizations they serve. Travel Alberta is showing extraordinary commitment to ensuring top-notch education for stakeholders in the province.”

“Supporting the professional development of Alberta’s destination organizations is key to strengthening the province’s competitive position,” said Shelley Grollmuss, vice president Industry Development, Travel Alberta.

She added, “Travel Alberta’s partnership with Destinations International demonstrates our commitment, and at the same time, provides a cost-effective opportunity for Canadian and U.S. destination organizations outside Alberta to take part in the courses. Our organizations share a common goal of building the skills of our industry partners to be successful in a rapidly changing environment and we’re excited to be working in partnership with Destinations International to help make it happen.”

“This is an exciting partnership as we continue our commitment to expand our global footprint and to offer premier education and professional development opportunities to destination organizations,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “We look forward to welcoming many new Canadian members to the list of distinguished CDME recipients.”

To learn more about the CDME program, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.