AACB Announces Global Partnership with Destinations International
FRANKFURT: The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) announced at IMEX Frankfurt this week that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Destinations International, representing a global community of over 5,000 professionals from 600 destinations around the world. The MOU is the first stage in a long-term collaboration, which will enable the two organisations to share knowledge, connections and research.
Don Welsh, President & CEO, Destinations International said, “We are delighted to partner with the AACB and look forward to supporting the ongoing development of the meetings and events industry in Australia.”
As an association, Destinations International aims to inform, connect, inspire and educate its members to drive economic impact, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life through travel. Destinations International is dedicated to shaping the future of the visitor economy and, along with AACB, aims to amplify the voice of the business events industry. This partnership will provide each organisation with a platform to access key resources for advocacy and business development.
Andrew Hiebl, CEO, AACB said, "We are excited to be embarking on this journey with Destinations International, which builds on the existing reciprocal scholarship arrangements that have been in place for several years now."
"While many of Australia’s convention bureaux are world leading from a bidding and research perspective, having a relationship with globally recognised Destinations International will provide our members with best practice analysis and benchmarking opportunities.”
The AACB looks forward to announcing further benefits for the industry as this partnership develops.
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Photo credit: Lyn Lewis-Smith, AACB Director (and CEO at BESydney) and Don Welsh, President and CEO at Destinations International.
About AACB: The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux is the peak Australian business events network driving economic prosperity for Australia. The Association brings together 16 influential city and regional bureaux dedicated to marketing their specific region as premier business events destinations to domestic and international markets. AACB and its members represent more than 1700 tourism and events industry operators.
About Destinations International: Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organisations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. Destinations International is about serving destination marketing professionals first and foremost. Together with more than 5,000 members and partners from nearly 600 destinations in approximately 15 countries, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people and elevating tourism to its highest potential.