Do you know about the CDME initials after an industry leader’s name?

The Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential, run by Destinations International, is the highest individual educational credential in the destination organization industry, arguably the most recognized professional certification a DMO or CVB executive can hold.

The program is built for experienced destination professionals moving toward senior leadership roles. Curriculum spans strategic management, destination leadership, marketing, business development, finance, and the structural questions DMOs face today around governance, funding, and stakeholder alignment.

Who it’s for

To apply, candidates need either five years of relevant industry experience, or three years of experience plus a post-secondary degree in travel, tourism, or hospitality. Most participants are mid-to-senior staff at destination organizations, tourism bureaus, CVBs, or vendor-side companies serving the category.

Format and recertification

CDME courses are delivered in modules at DI events and partner sites throughout the year, with courses scheduled around DI’s 2026 Convention Sales & Services Summit. Certification is valid for four years and requires 40 continuing education credits over that period through travel and tourism industry events, webinars, and professional development activities.

For destination professionals planning the next stage of their career, the CDME tends to come up in two contexts: as a credential employers explicitly look for in senior DMO roles, and as a peer network across the industry. Full details and the application process are on the DI website.

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