This week we’re talking about destination management companies, or DMCs, which are companies embedded in specific locations that give travel planners an ultra-boost when it comes to planning a vacation there. Insider knowledge, special tours, recommendations, an expert shoulder to lean on – that’s what a DMC can provide. DMCs aren’t new, but a recent story by Jamie Biesiada talked about why they’re suddenly on everyone’s must-have list. In this episode with Haisley Smith, the senior vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, we talk about why advisors and clients are hyping DMCs, the pitfalls and the critical need to vet your in-destination partner and what’s next for DMCs, tour operators and advisors. We hope you enjoy this peek into travel planning – and advisors, let us know what you think of your top DMCs. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com Winter series: This episode is part of our annual Winter Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was originally published Nov. 17 and has been edited for length and clarity.  Related links:  Jamie Biesiada's cover story: DMCs help bring the wow factor https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/DMCs-help-bring-the-wow    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.