The crushing effect of the global Covid-19 pandemic on the entire travel industry has been felt sharply by everyone involved and even more so in the meeting & incentives sector, as the vast implications of ‘safe distancing’ become apparent. It would be easy to feel despair in the current climate, but with so many great travel industry leaders inspiring us and showing the way, we remain positive that the industry will be back – hopefully very soon.
During this time of uncertainty & social distancing our members have been adapting and working creatively to prepare for when we can again partner with our clients to create motivational experiences and exceptional meetings in these destinations.
Our members have kept in touch with clients and business partners. Firstly to find out how they are coping with social distancing, where some are alone while others have the challenge of managing office work in a crowded home environment. The conversation soon moved on to how to be of assistance, being productive and pro-active with an eye to the future. Some members are using webinars to showcase the most motivational & inspirational elements of their destination or collaborating to create special interest itineraries encompassing two or more destinations for small select groups
Our members’ great wealth of knowledge & experience on industry matters and their specific destinations, is an additional resource which can be accessed through their consulting services.
Now, as some European destinations begin to open up to foreign visitors and there is an air of cautious optimism at the lessening of the pandemic, Preferred DMCs members are constantly monitoring developments in their destinations and learning, step by step, to successfully and carefully progress to the next permissible operational level.
Staff will be trained in new health and safety protocols directly related to the COVID-19 response. Additionally, all supplier contracts will reflect the most current WHO and state regulations. Each member will continue to evaluate and enhance their processes and policies to ensure the highest standards of care. This is one the basic tenets of our mission, always guided by our values with our clients as our main focus.
Preferred DMCs is determined to be part of the solution by staying informed and available to assist you in any way possible as we move forward.
Preferred DMCs is an association of professional DMCs in Europe. Our DMCs are all members of ADMEI and SITE Global and between them have an impressive track record of successful events spanning 40 and more years. The association has been recognized in the ‘Top 25 DMCs in the World’ for the past two years.