Accreditations, Credentials, and Awards

Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)

DMAP with Distinction Logo

VHB received its accreditation from Destinations International (DI) in 2012, and is among two hundred DMOs around the world to earn this prestigious status in the global tourism industry. VHB renewed its accreditation in 2022 and received the highest possible recognition for a destination organization – "Accreditation with Distinction," indicating that the organization exceeded the minimum requirements for accreditation with over 100 mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas. With over 200 destination organizations who have obtained DMAP recognition, fewer than 10% earn “Accreditation with Distinction”.

How did VHB get accredited?

To become accredited, a destination marketing organization must demonstrate compliance with more than 100 performance standards in the following areas:

Governance
Strategic planning
Stakeholder engagement/advocacy
Finance
Human resources
Management and operations
Technology
Research and marketing intelligence
Brand management
Marketing
Communications
Sales and services
Membership/partnership
Visitor services
Destination development
Volunteer Relations

Accreditation standards are set by an independent panel of industry veterans representing a diverse selection of destination organizations. Standards are regularly revisited and revised to reflect the evolution of best practices in the industry.

Accredited organizations are required to re-apply every five years. Completing the renewal process typically takes 9-12 months.

Credentials

Visit Huntington Beach places an emphasis on staff development. Curiosity and learning are key to creativity and innovation. Staff are encouraged to participate in continuing education in the course of their regular work, the results of which contribute to VHB’s success.

Certified Destination Management Executive

The Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) through Destinations International (DI) is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The CDME program prepares senior executives to thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity, and implementing business strategies. CDME certification must be renewed every four years.

VHB staff who have earned their CDME:

Kelly Miller, CDME and faculty for the CDME program
President & CEO

Omark A. Holmes, MBA, CDME
Chief Marketing Officer

Michelle Devine, CDME
Vice President of Sales

Institute for Organizational Management

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management (IOM) is designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association, chamber of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management. Courses include advocacy, media training, membership, finance, legal issues, human resources, and more, ultimately educating graduates on all facets of running a nonprofit organization.

VHB staff who have earned their IOM:

Nicole Llido, IOM, CTA
VP, Administration & Community Engagement

Certified Tourism Ambassador

The Certiﬁed Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) program is an industry-recognized certiﬁcation that strategically aligns a community’s people infrastructure — destination leaders, stakeholder businesses, and the tourism front-line — to strengthen tourism and deliver quality experiences for visitors and locals. Accredited through the Tourism Ambassador Institute® and administered at the local level, CTA is the only program that gives an ofﬁcial designation to people who care about their destination and want to be strategically connected at every level. The Orange County CTA program is administered by Visit Anaheim.

VHB staff who have earned their CTA:

Jeff Campana, CTA
Michelle Devine, CTA
Kevin Keller, CTA
Nicole Llido, IOM, CTA
Mary Madigan, CTA
Deanna Mote, CTA
Claire Muranaka, CTA
Joshua Noble, CTA
Cassidy Ross, CTA
Heather Saez, CTA
Hannah Sutton, CTA
Clara Tsang, CTA
Sophia Valdivia, CTA
Sara Worthington, CTA
Denice Yeager, CTA

Awards

Visit Huntington Beach is humbled and gratified to have received these awards from its partners.

2023

Best Places to Work in Orange County, Orange County Business Journal
Visit Huntington Beach website, MarCom Gold Award
Visit Huntington Beach informational blog post, MarCom Gold Award
VHB Trade Show Booth: MarCom Honorable Mention
Visit Huntington Beach website (Tourism category), Davey Gold Award
Visit Huntington Beach website, (27ᵗʰ Annual) WebAward Competition: Outstanding Website
Visit Huntington Beach dotCOMM Gold Award for Best Website: Travel Category
Visit Huntington Beach website, Gold Hermes Creative Award: Website Category

2022

Fired Up! Culture Achievement Award
Most Patriotic Window Display, Huntington Beach 4th of July Committee

2019

"Heart of HB" Award, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce - Kelly Miller, President & CEO

2018

Best Travel Website, Webaward Competition
Award of Excellence - Best Single Media Placement, Steve Harvey Show "Family Bucket List", OCPRSA

2016

Visitor Services WOW Award "Most Cost Effective Program", Destinations International
Poppy Award - Best Public Relations Campaign, Visit California
112th Annual Gala - Best Dressed Group, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce

2015

Platinum Adrian Award - Public Relations - Good Morning America GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Segment, HSMAI
Best of Show Adrian Award - Public Relations - "Epic Big Board Campaign", HSMAI

2011

Gold Award - Rack Brochure, MarCom