It’s almost 3 years since I joined Think! Over these years we’ve worked with countless DMOs around the world. You’re all the same, and you’re all different. What are the best DMOs out there? That’s tough to answer but what I can share are the patterns I observe in the best functioning DMOs.

Funding model

The most effective funding model is a performance based model through a DMF.

• Membership models often create favouritism that’s not consumer focused.
• Fixed income through yearly tax appropriation poses uncertainty.
• Hotel tax only put a lot of power on hotel owners

CEO

The best DMO CEO understand how to manage the politics. The CEO of larger DMOs spend the majority of their time educating and informing the political powers, the board and key industry player. She keeps them out of the kitchen but doesn’t ignore the realities of compromising some marketing priorities in order to meet political needs. The best CEOs build their vision through a collaborative and inclusive process, act as cheerleaders and stay out of the kitchen. A board should look for these leadership qualities first and foremost.

Executives

The best DMOs have marketing executives who