Destination management companies provide many products and services at popular travel destinations. They are the local experts in travel planning and logistics.
They offer a curated network of local service providers. This gives them the ability to provide the best solutions for their customers. They offer extensive services, from tour guides and accommodation to catering and theming.
They’re Local
A destination management company (DMC) is a third-party firm that provides professional services for planning and coordinating out-of-town programs and travel experiences. Their value lies primarily in their extensive local knowledge and professional connections.
DMCs are embedded in their cities, so they know little about everything the city offers — from hotels and transportation services to catering companies and activity providers. They also have a curated network of partners and can quickly and easily find solutions to any problem during a trip.
They also understand the cultural expectations and norms of the destination and can quickly identify whether prices are being jacked up or unnecessary extras are being added to an invoice. That allows them to act as a watchdog for their clients and programs.
They’re Professional
Organizations often need a destination management company Spain to help design and coordinate their company excursions. This includes meetings, conferences, festivals, and even grand openings.
The local expertise offered by a DMC saves organizations a lot of time and energy that would be spent researching the quality of third-party companies, establishing contact, and negotiating contracts.
When choosing a DMC, ensure they are an Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC). This designation shows that the company has met industry standards and can easily handle extensive group trips. Also, ask them how many of their staff are in the destination market. The more local knowledge they have, the better.
They’re Flexible
What was once known as ground operators, or more specifically, travel enterprises that provide essential services like airport meet-and-greet, transportation, and standard tours, have now grown into a wide range of bespoke experiences. These include incorporating event-themed entertainment at a welcome reception, creating destination-focused itineraries, or providing decor and activities for a themed party.
For example, the aesthetic-centric uses local area attractions and entertainment to create welcome receptions with a unique flavor. Or, they build corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into their packages, including the chance for travelers to help feed koalas after recent bushfires.
DMC networks curate lists of accredited destinations, making it easy for businesses and individuals to find the right one. And they are always open to new ideas.
They’re Honest
DMCs have vast ranges of services that can make them one-stop shops when you’re building a travel package with inclusive experiences. They’ll help you plug any logistical gaps in your product and deliver a smooth experience that makes your clients happy.
DMCs can also handle bespoke events and experiences. They’ll likely be open to your out-of-the-box ideas for corporate excursions, and many can plan a global project like an Olympic ceremony.
Destination management companies are becoming increasingly focused on enhancing the sustainability of their destinations and the travel industry as a whole. It’s a welcome shift from the old-school model that used to focus solely on brand promotion and marketing. This change in focus will benefit the destinations they serve long term.
They’re Affordable
A DMC can provide various services and act as a one-stop shop for your travel package. However, finding a DMC with a vision that aligns with your own is essential.
They can help you develop original ideas for experiences that can’t be easily found through standard booking sites. They also have decades-long relationships with hotels, vendors, and other venues that can save you money and deliver a better experience than budget booking websites could ever match.
It’s easy for a DMC to save you thousands of dollars by cutting line items like linen napkins or flowers by putting in cheaper options or substituting them with alternatives that still deliver the wow factor. This is one of the most significant benefits they can offer.
