(Bunnell, Fla.)—Amy Lukasik, executive director for Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, Flagler County’s official tourism organization, recently earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation from Destinations International. Destinations International is the world’s largest trade association for destination organizations.
Lukasik was one of 63 CDME recipients recognized at Destinations International’s annual convention taking place July 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois.
The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The rigorous two-year program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and to apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies.
“Earning the CDME designation is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of Ms. Lukasik’s leadership, dedication, and expertise in the tourism industry,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Her recent appointment to the Board of Directors for the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism is a testament to your commitment to responsible travel and sustainability.”
Lukasik was also recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism (SEE) the non-profit organization announced in June. SEE is the professional authority for the ecotourism industry in Florida. It established and maintains the professional code of ecotourism ethics that encourages an awareness and stewardship of Florida’s natural heritage. Board members serve an elected term of two years.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors for the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism, the leading authority on authentic ecotourism in Florida,” Lukasik said. “with the future Flagler County Visitor Eco-Discovery Center, I look forward to helping protect and support Florida’s and Flagler County’s natural and cultural resources via sustainable tourism through my appointment.”
About Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches
Located on Florida’s northeast coast, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches is a quirky coastal escape that features unspoiled natural beauty, a spectacular independent foodie scene, and plenty of arts and cultural activities. Attractions include 19 miles of cinnamon-colored beaches, numerous state and local parks and preserves, miles of canopied trails, and bucket-list activities like dolphin interactions and horseback rides along the shore. The area is anchored by the iconic Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, a retro-style A-Frame that opened in 1928. Area accommodations range from branded hotels to a luxury resort and vacation rentals.
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations. In short – DI educates, equips, and empowers our members to grow the success of their destinations and to excel professionally. Membership grants access to a wealth of important industry resources, Membership grants access to a wealth of important industry resources, educational opportunities, and exclusive benefits. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
About Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism
The Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism is the professional authority for the ecotourism industry in Florida. It established and maintains the professional code of ecotourism ethics that encourages an awareness and stewardship of Florida’s natural heritage. It is a non-profit educational organization with memberships that may include ecotour providers, ecotourism accommodations, tourism planners, protected area managers, academics and students, regional tourism associations, organizations and travelers.
