RENO, Nev. (July 22, 2021) – During a regular meeting today, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors heard from Destinations International President and CEO & Foundation Executive Director Don Welsh.

“Reno Tahoe has great restaurants, entertainment, gaming and outdoor amenities, and with the right strategic plan and community investment, you can take this destination to the next level,” said Welsh, when asked about redeeming and beneficial tourism qualities of Northern Nevada.

Destinations International is about serving destination marketing and management professionals first and foremost, representing a powerful, forward-thinking collaborative association, exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people, and elevating tourism to its highest potential. Destinations International has more than 600 Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and Business Members in 15 countries, and more than 6,000 Destination Professional Members.

In partnership with Destinations International, the RSCVA is currently working through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), the DMO industry’s gold standard, defining quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. DMAP measures more than 100 performance standards, which reflect the evolution of best practices in tourism. The last time the RSCVA was accredited through DMAP was 2018.

In partnership with Destinations International, representatives from MMGY NextFactor will meet with local stakeholders and community leaders later this summer, conducting studies related to destination stewardship, community alignment, and long-term strategies. The DestinationNEXT program will define opportunities and challenges in the Northern Nevada tourism market and will be instrumental in designing and implementing Reno Tahoe’s strategic plan for the next three years.

“To have Don Welsh here with us in Reno Tahoe shows delivery on the promise of this partnership, and the effectiveness of how we change the product within this destination, as well as the perception outside the destination,” said RSCVA President and CEO Charles Harris. “Don hadn’t been to Northern Nevada since 1987. With his presence here today, we are welcoming a new strategic ambassador on an individual level, and with the research and industry accreditation we’re currently pursuing, we’re also working toward the investments and improvements that will bring Reno Tahoe the prominence it so richly deserves.”

The RSCVA has been a member of Destinations International since 1995.

RSCVA President and CEO Charles Harris (L) and Destinations International President and CEO & Foundation Executive Director Don Welsh (R) bookend RSCVA Board Members (from Left to Right) City of Sparks Councilwoman Charlene Bybee, Washoe County Commission and RSCVA Board Chair Bob Lucey, and City of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve: High Res Image Here