What is a destination management company?

A destination management company is a company that provides professional services like local knowledge, expertise and resources in the design and implementation of events, tours, activities and program logistics. It is the coordinated management of all the elements that make up a particular destination. This can include amenities, access, market, pricing and other factors. 

A destination management company (DMC) is a third party company that is hired to provide services for events that are taking place out of town. DMCs are valued because they have extensive knowledge of local resources and have professional relationships in the local area. A DMC is of great help to someone who is in charge of organizing a corporate event outside their area.

Benefits of choosing DMC solutions:

• Only a local DMC would be aware of local services and the best prices so that one can stick to the budget.

• A local DMC would know about the customs of a place and also know when prices are being quoted as higher than they are.

• A local DMC knows where to find all the best and newest services and the best travel routes.

What a destination management company does

A destination management company or DMC maintains in-depth information on the area that they represent. They specifically keep track of the coordination and implementation of an event and all the logistics involved in managing the event. In short, a DMC is a specialized consultant for all event and tourism activities outside of the town. 

Some main services that fall under DMC solutions are as follows:

• Design of the program: These services include booking the venue and any other services the client may require.

• Managing logistics: These services include making the timeline and schedule for a particular event, booking transportation and even coordinating with guests. 

• Managing prices: These services include negotiating prices with vendors.

• Accounting: These services include providing the client with invoices and detailed reports on how much the vendors are to be paid.

A DMC can help a corporate event planner in coordinating travel arrangements, hotel accommodations, meals and local activities. While DMC solutions keep contacts and relationships with local vendors, their main responsibility is to make sure that the event takes place as smoothly as possible, that is, organization and planning of the event itself. 

A DMC is a key contact all through the management of the event because of them having local expertise. Often, due to good relationships with vendors, a DMC can leverage lower prices through negotiation. Another helpful factor is when the area has a language barrier, which is where a DMC can help with the coordination process greatly.