City Destinations Alliance
The alliance of Tourist Boards, Convention Bureaux and Destination Management Organisations in Europe
We are the European knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban regions. While working on the DNA of our cities, we are committed to a sustainable, inclusive and responsible visitor economy that benefits people, planet and prosperity.
We are much more than a network. We want to publicly advocate for our common goals while still learning from each other.
Our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish as great places to live, work, meet and explore. As a community of DMO professionals, our promise to each other is to always be curious and forward-thinking, share our inspiration and never stop learning.
Highlights
The reference for Leisure, Meetings Industry and City Marketing in Europe.
Leading Through Transformation: Addressing Core Challenges for DMOs
CityDNA CEO Meeting Takeaways
The 2025 CityDNA CEO Meeting in Monaco brought together over 50 DMO leaders from across Europe to discuss the future of tourism and its evolving role in city development. The discussions underscored a shared commitment: DMOs must go beyond promotion and actively shape more resilient, sustainable, and digitally advanced destinations.
Global Accessibility Report
Accessibility is the tool, Inclusion is the Objective
The Global Accessibility Report, a collaborative effort by City Destinations Alliance and Destinations International, offers a comprehensive look at accessibility initiatives in global tourism. Released in October 2024, this report analyses data from 92 destinations worldwide, primarily in Europe and North America.
The Meetings Industry Manifesto
Priorities for the Next EU Leadership
“The Meetings Industry Manifesto: Priorities for the Next EU Leadership” is a comprehensive document that emerged from our discussions and collaborative efforts at the EU Dialogue in Brussels. This manifesto aims to enhance awareness and recognition of the Meetings Industry’s significant role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability across Europe.
Redefining Success
How DMOs can Drive Social & Community Well-Being
CityDNA and TOPOSOPHY released a report on ‘Redefining Success: How DMOs can Drive Social & Community Well-Being’. Building upon the success of previous joint collaborations, this paper takes a deeper dive into meaningful KPI design with practical applications and real world case study examples to support and empower DMOs to broaden their positive influence, measure their social impact and communicate their value contribution for the neighbourhoods, cities and regions they serve.
Featured Events
#CityDNA events provide members with information, contacts and business leads they cannot afford to miss out on.
Members know best…
The CityDNA Knowledge Groups play a strategic role in helping us develop new ideas, products, insights and solutions in the areas of City Cards, Marketing & Communication, Meetings Industry, Research & Insights, Sustainability, Tourist Information Centres or Trends. They are incubators of new ideas and an important source of insights and expertise.
When it comes to looking at the future, the constantly evolving CityDNA Summer School is a unique opportunity for young professionals just entering the Meetings Industry to spend three days with some of the biggest names in our business, to understand the nature of the Meetings Industry, and acquire practical marketing skills. An unforgettable career-defining experience!
By providing data, we can benchmark the performances of our destinations with bednights and in meetings statistics, as well as the financing and spending structures of our organisations. For the 50% of our members who do not have their own research departments, City Destinations Alliance can provide a unique & essential source of information.
City Destinations Alliance knows that we, as members, have specific interests and provides us with the opportunity to have our own platforms, events and forums. CityDNA also helps us members to align our own strategic agenda with whatever demands, challenges and opportunities tomorrow will bring.
Every year, we have more and more City Cards specialists participating in the City Cards Expert Meeting and strengthening the network. Through best practices and knowledge exchange, these meetings allow CityDNA member destinations to fine-tune their City Cards product, the associated communication and sales strategy, with the goal of managing the destination in a sustainable way.
City Destinations Alliance is a member organisation. It is with us members and by the members. Through its strategy, CityDNA explores a more sustainable tomorrow together with a great purpose and appetite for experimenting in the visitor economy that contributes to a better life in the city. This knowledge is essential in my daily job!
Knowledge exchange and best practices’ sessions are core activities in City Destinations Alliance: from meetings statistics to legacy or ambassador programmes, we are always kept up to date by the best examples in Europe and from around the world.
City Destinations Alliance is the only organisation to gather all CEOs of European destinations to discuss the latest market trends and new developments in policy, strategy and operations. But more important: it gives me a network of persons with whom I share challenges and endeavours, be it sustainability challenges, citizens support or how to measure the broader pros and cons of tourism. In short: This meeting is on the very top of my list.
CityDNA Live
![[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] Learn, Explore, and Network in Luxembourg! 🇱🇺
📅 August 25-29, 2025
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey or send your rising stars on theirs? This is your moment.
✅ All-inclusive fee: course materials, 4-star accommodation, full board (except one evening)
✅ Expert-led programme curated by top industry professionals
✅ Early Bird savings: up to 600€ off until June 20, 2025
✅ Special group discounts starting from 3 participants
👉 Register now: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
Let’s connect at IMEX Frankfurt and celebrate the CityDNA Summer School in style!
📍 Tuesday, May 20
🕒 15:00 CET | SITE Reception – SITE Stand (A010)
Join us to celebrate our new partnership with SITE! The Summer School is now open to SITE members, a step towards broader collaboration and a more diverse learning community.
🕓 16:45 CET | Luxembourg Convention Bureau Networking Aperitif – Luxembourg Stand (E130)
Heading to Luxembourg this summer? Raise a glass with Faculty, alumni, and future participants, and get a taste of what awaits in August.
📩 Questions? Contact Julie Clerc or meet the CityDNA team at stand G140 during IMEX.
#CityDNA #CityDNASummerSchool #IMEX2025 #ProfessionalDevelopment #TourismCareers #MeetInLuxembourg SITE - Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO](https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/wp-content/plugins/social-wall/img/placeholder.png)
[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] Learn, Explore, and Network in Luxembourg! 🇱🇺
📅 August 25-29, 2025
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey or send your rising stars on theirs? This is your moment.
✅ All-inclusive fee: course materials, 4-star ...accommodation, full board (except one evening)
✅ Expert-led programme curated by top industry professionals
✅ Early Bird savings: up to 600€ off until June 20, 2025
✅ Special group discounts starting from 3 participants
👉 Register now: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
Let’s connect at IMEX Frankfurt and celebrate the CityDNA Summer School in style!
📍 Tuesday, May 20
🕒 15:00 CET | SITE Reception – SITE Stand (A010)
Join us to celebrate our new partnership with SITE! The Summer School is now open to SITE members, a step towards broader collaboration and a more diverse learning community.
🕓 16:45 CET | Luxembourg Convention Bureau Networking Aperitif – Luxembourg Stand (E130)
Heading to Luxembourg this summer? Raise a glass with Faculty, alumni, and future participants, and get a taste of what awaits in August.
📩 Questions? Contact Julie Clerc or meet the CityDNA team at stand G140 during IMEX.
#CityDNA #CityDNASummerSchool #IMEX2025 #ProfessionalDevelopment #TourismCareers #MeetInLuxembourg SITE - Society for Incentive Travel Excellence Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO
[DEPLOYTOUR 🚀] CityDNA was part of the DEPLOYTOUR-Deployment European Tourism Data Space stakeholder event in #Paris last Monday, to reconnect in person with 40+ partners of the consortium and create synergies among the different work packages & use cases.
Great vibes and energy in the ...room, and we are confident we will foster a strong community of #DMOs and #SMEs to be part of this trusted Common European Tourism Data Space (ETDS), empowering SMEs and DMOs in their digital and green transition, and fostering innovative practices.
As part of this project, five associated pilots will demonstrate the tangible advantages of the ETDS and its impact on the European tourism sector. These outcomes will be shared and discussed within the DMO community, so stay tuned for more updates!
In a transition year when the European Commission is working on its first tourism strategy ever, we definitely need to boost the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the tourism sector in Europe.
#CityDNA #DEPLOYTOUR #dataspaces #datasharing #tourismdataspace
[CITYDNA CVB CAFÉ ☕] ⏳ Last Call – Registration Closes Today!
Heading to IMEX Frankfurt? Start strong with the CityDNA CVB Café on Monday, 19 May at 18:30 at Hotel nhow Frankfurt: the ultimate peer-led meet-up before IMEX kicks off!
🌟 Why you shouldn’t miss it:
...✔️ Real, peer-driven conversations on your most pressing challenges
✔️ Hot topics shaped by your suggestions
✔️ Actionable takeaways on the dicussions afterwards
🤝 Wrap up with a relaxed networking dinner to reconnect and recharge with the community.
💶 Fee: 49€
📅 Today is the final day to register → https://lnkd.in/dvQq-XtR
Let’s kick off IMEX 2025 together, energised, and better connected.
#CityDNA #CityDNACVBCafé #IMEX2025 #MeetingsIndustry #CVBProfessionals #FrankfurtEvents #PeerLearning
[CITYDNA AT IMEX 🟠] ✈️ Win a Trip to the Faroe Islands! 🇫🇴
Curious about what’s next for the CityDNA Autumn Conference 2025? Get an exclusive preview on Wednesday, May 21 at 14:30 at the CityDNA stand (G140)!
We’ll unveil the theme and spotlight our extraordinary host ...destination: Tórshavn, Faroe Islands – a place where nature, innovation, and community thrive!
🌟 While you’re there, enter our Prize Draw to win one of two return tickets to the Faroe Islands, generously sponsored by Atlantic Airways.
👉 How to enter:
Drop your business card in the bowl at either the City Destinations Alliance stand (G140) or the Visit Faroe Islands stand (F240) starting Tuesday, May 20 at 09:00. Winners will be announced right after the presentation on Wednesday.
📌 Note: Tickets are valid exclusively for attending the CityDNA Autumn Conference and will be booked via Atlantic Airways.
Come for the sneak peek. Leave with a chance to fly 😀
#CityDNA #MeetInTórshavn #CityDNAConference Visit Tórshavn
[CITYDNA CVB CAFE ☕] 👥 CVB Professionals – Let’s Talk. Let’s Connect. Let’s Kick Off IMEX Right!
Join us for the CityDNA CVB Café on Monday, 19 May at 18:30 at Hotel nhow Frankfurt: a dynamic, peer-led session crafted by and for CVB professionals.
🌍 What to ...expect:
✔️ Fresh conversations on your real challenges
✔️ Actionable insights on:
• Sustainability in Action – not just strategy
• AI & Digital Tools
• Staffing, Funding & Legacy
• And more topics shaped by your input!
🗣️ Bring your perspective. Gain new ones.
🍽️ Stay for a relaxed networking dinner and reconnect with peers before the IMEX buzz begins.
💶 Fee: 49€ per person
📅 Register by May 13 → https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/cvb-cafe-2025-frankfurt/
#CityDNA #CityDNACVBCafé #IMEX2025 #MeetingsIndustry #CVBProfessionals #FrankfurtEvents #PeerLearning
[CITYDNA REPORTS 📊] CityDNA MMGY Travel Intelligence Report on European City Reputation
Since 2021, the flagship CityDNA-MMGY TCI Research Travelsat Dashboard has been an exclusive benefit for CityDNA members, providing essential insights into social reputation and visitor satisfaction... across European city destinations. Delivered in partnership with @MMGY TCI Research and recently enriched with new resources and data (such as the 2025 Portrait of Indian International Travellers), this dashboard provides DMOs with high level analytics per region and curated insights for navigating place reputation complexity!
🔎 Key Highlights from Q1 2025:
During the first quarter, the overall social reputation of European cities remained positive (42 points on a Net Sentiment Scale of -100/+100) despite a downward trend driven by concerns shared in social conversations around safety, geopolitical tensions, social polarisation, inflation and overcrowding putting growing pressure on tourism and urban infrastructure.
Nevertheless, cities remain strongly associated with ethical values, cultural inclusivity, and a welcoming atmosphere—factors that continue to support their competitive standing globally. Cities retained strong emotional resonance tied to culture, inclusivity, and well-being.
Meanwhile, visitor satisfaction reached a new high (8.88, +0.7 points vs previous quarter and + 0.05 YoY)., reflecting growing interest in authentic, value-driven experiences that reinforce the positive reputation of European urban tourism. Travel experience ratings reached a new record value especially in Western and Northern Europe.
Strategic Focus Areas for City DMOs? Priorities include strengthening inclusive city branding, advancing sustainable urban mobility, and enhancing value-driven experiences. Leveraging off-season travel and sustainability efforts to attract conscious travelers.
📖 A big thank you to MMGY TCI Research, our Knowledge Partner, for their expertise in tracking these dynamic market shifts.
💡 The next edition, coming in July 2025, will further explore reputation trends and new travel intelligence patterns across European cities for Q2 2025. Stay tuned!
Explore more insights in our research section: https://bit.ly/40szYtl
#CityDNA #CityDNAMMGY #CityDNAResearchAndInsights #Research #DMOs #CityReputation #VisitorSentiment MMGY Global
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[CITYDNA 🟠] This week, our Head Office team and our Board's Conference's Task Force met in Amsterdam for a hands-on workshop dedicated to shaping the future of our conferences. Together with the support of a trusted partner — to be revealed soon — we explored new formats, deeper ...impact, and stronger value for our community.
A heartfelt thank you to amsterdam&partners for the warm welcome in their brand-new office – an inspiring space for forward thinking!
🔜 Stay tuned – more updates coming soon!
#CityDNA #ConferenceStrategy
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[CITY CARDS EXPERT MEETING 💳] Ready to explore the future of city card systems through the lens of AI?
Join us in Gdańsk, June 5–6, 2025 for the 14th CityDNA City Cards Expert Meeting!
This 1.5-day event is designed for DMO professionals managing city card programmes, and ...features:
💡 Inspiring case studies
🤝 Engaging peer discussions
🤖 A deep dive into AI in travel and tourism with Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Tourism, Travel & Festivals at the Edinburgh Futures Institute
Session Highlight:
AI in Travel & Tourism – Where We Are and Where We’re Going
Discover the latest developments, real-world applications, and ethical implications of AI in our industry.
🎯 Then join us for a hands-on workshop:
Shaping City Card Futures: A Collective Exploration of AI-Driven Possibilities
Let’s rethink how AI can transform visitor experiences and destination services.
📍 Gdańsk is waiting!
➡️ Register now: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/14th-city-cards-expert-meeting-2025-gdansk/
Let’s shape the future of city cards, together.
#CityDNA #CityDNACityCards #AIinTourism #SmartDestinations Visit Gdansk