Dutchess tourism and CEO honored - Westfair Communications

Mary Kay Vrba goes on stage to accept the DTI accreditation seal in Montreal.

There have been honors this summer for Dutchess Tourism Inc. and Mary Kay Vrba, its president and CEO. Vrba and Dutchess tourism Vice President Melanie Riottkamp were in Montreal for a recognition ceremony held by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).

DMAP is the world”™s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus and tourism boards. It has more than 4,700 members. Dutchess Tourism received an accreditation seal in recognition of its commitment to industry excellence and meeting industry standards of performance and accountability. Fewer than 200 organizations like DTI have earned the seal.

Vrba, was named an Outstanding Woman in Destination Management/Marketing by Women in Travel and Tourism International. She was one of four tourism professionals in the U.S. to receive the honor. That award was presented during a U.S. Travel Association meeting in Washington, D.C.

A recent report shows that tourism spending in Dutchess County increased 7.6 percent in 2016, to more than $568 million. More than 4.75 million people visited the county last year.