Park City, UT — Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau announces it is the recipient of two coveted accolades, the Mountain IDEAL Certification for destination stewardship and its renewed Destination Marketing Program (DMAP) accreditation for organizational excellence. Both honors underscore the Chamber’s performance at the highest levels and its commitment to advancing sustainable practices in Park City.

“The Mountain IDEAL certification and Destination Marketing Program accreditation are a testament to our ongoing efforts towards a sustainable future for citizens and visitors,” said Jennifer Wesselhoff, President and CEO of the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “We will continue prioritizing quality of life, ensuring that Park City remains a premier destination known for responsible tourism.”

The DMAP accreditation, designated by Destinations International,  which has been renewed for Park City until 2028, recognizes the Chamber’s adherence to rigorous standards across governance, finance, visitor services, sales, communications, destination development, research, advocacy and more. This renewal positions Park City as a trusted leader in tourism and reaffirms the organization’s commitment to the highest  industry standards and best practices.  Fewer than 200 tourism organizations worldwide have achieved the DMAP accreditation.  The Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau was officially recognized alongside other DMAP accredited organizations at the Recognition Celebration during the Destination International Annual Convention on Tuesday, July 16. 

“As custodians of their destinations’ brands, participation in DMAP underscores a destination organization’s adherence to rigorous standards,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and chair of the DMAP Board of Directors. “This commitment is a clear signal to stakeholders that the organization managing the destination brand possesses the necessary infrastructure and expertise to beneficially influence the visitor economy for both tourists and local residents.” 

The Mountain IDEAL Certification is a sustainable destination standard recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This certification highlights Park City’s dedication to enhancing citizens’ quality of life, driving sustainable growth, preserving public lands and the natural environment, and amplifying community engagement and equity. A rare achievement, only Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado currently have a Mountain IDEAL certification.  

“Mountain IDEAL certification represents the gold standard for sustainable destinations. It’s a rigorous, comprehensive process that demands genuine commitment and tangible action from communities. In fact, Park City has demonstrated exceptional performance, actively implementing over 50 sustainable destination management best practices, as evidenced by more than 125 specific indicators,” said Bobby Chappell, Program Architect for Mountain IDEAL, Board Member for Green Destinations. “This achievement places Park City among an elite group of destinations to reach this significant milestone. It’s a testament to their dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism management.”  

As Park City continues to lead in sustainable tourism initiatives, the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau is excited to support the 2024 Sustainable Tourism Grant projects. The 22 grant recipients have been selected for their innovative projects that further the Sustainable Tourism Plan. 

“From supporting workforce needs  to the development of arts and culture tourism programs, the Sustainable Tourism Grant enables us to invest in initiatives that drive destination stewardship,” said Morgan Mingle,  Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to witness the latest projects in progress and look forward to their positive impact on the community.”

For additional information about the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau, visit ParkCityChamber.com. To read the full Sustainable Tourism Plan, visit ParkCityChamber.com/Resources/Sustainable-Tourism-Plan/. While the Sustainable Tourism Grant application period for 2024 is currently closed, please visit ParkCityChamber.com/Resources/For-Businesses/Sustainable-Tourism-Grant/ to stay up to date on the 2025 application period. To view 

About Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau  Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau represents over 1,000 businesses in Summit County. Founded in 1963 to promote local ski resorts, today, the Park City Chamber & Visitors Bureau is entrusted with fostering the health and wellbeing of the local community. From maintaining economic stability and addressing environmental concerns to developing sustainable tourism plans and preserving cultural heritage, the organization prides itself on being in the community for the community. For more information, visit VisitParkCity.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Audrey Heinemann

Palmer Public Inc.
[email protected]
(615) 521-1999