Will the real destination specialist please step forward – Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) or Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), just what is the difference and why should you partner with them? Is DMO just another term for CVB or is it the other way around? Do DMO’s cover the same ground as CVB’s or vice versa? Distinguishing between the two can be a bit confusing. We understand, which is why we’ve outlined the primary roles of both a CVB and a DMO along with the reasons why you want them as your partners!

Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs)
The CVB is essentially responsible for promoting a destination with the intent of increasing travel to the area, both business and leisure. Ideally, the CVB will bring group business, meetings, conventions and tradeshows to the destination. As the area experts, they have a wealth of knowledge concerning the destination’s hotels, attractions, restaurants and activities so they are a valuable first point of contact when searching locations and planning events. The CVB is an active arm in the development of the city’s tourism through destination marketing efforts. They are not-for-profit entities usually supported by a percentage of the hotel occupancy tax, local government and, in some cases, private membership.

Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs)
The terms CVB and DMO are often used interchangeably and with good reason, they actually share the same responsibilities but technically not every DMO is a CVB. In destinations that do not have meetings facilities, the DMO only markets to leisure travel rather than meetings and conventions. Both are responsible for promoting their destination with the intent of booking meeting and event business, which helps boost the local economy; increasing jobs, adding tax dollars for city improvements, attracting restaurants, shops and, in some cases, sports teams, sporting events, concerts and festivals. Simply put, CVB’s and DMO’s increase the travel and tourism dollars that fuel a city’s economy and their knowledge and services are complimentary.

CVB’s or DMO’s should be the first point of contact for any meeting or event as they both offer the following:

• Destination Expertise – With up-to-date information about hotel properties, venues, activities, restaurants, transportation and local resources.

• Objective Advice – Local to the area with the ability to offer objective suggestions to the planner. They have firsthand experience as to what works and what doesn’t in a property, venue or with an activity.

• Time Management – Have the understanding and ability to help groups get the most out of their time in the destination.

• Property Knowledge – Are familiar with special services or add-ons offered by properties or venues.

• Group Activities – Offer comprehensive information on unique group activities in the area.

• Complimentary Services – While they do not get involved in the specific details of planning an event, as not-for-profit entities they offer unbiased recommendations and complimentary services based on extensive local experience and area knowledge.

These destination experts offer far more than sharing a list of suggested hotel properties and venues. They can be a meeting planners best friend, valuable resource and trusted partner.

Visit Newport Beach is the local DMO for Newport Beach, CA. As a destination partner, Visit Newport Beach has the knowledge and expertise that can streamline the meeting planning process. With several meeting planner incentives and resources that can extend the meeting budget, Visit Newport Beach makes it easy to plan your next meeting in this stylishly chic coastal gem. Contact Visit Newport Beach for detailed destination information and specific meeting planner promotions.