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 Europe’s Visitor Economy: Reputation, Community Trust & Global Competitiveness
CityDNA CEO Meeting,
February 9-10, 2026
From budget constraints and political changes, digital transformation in the visitor experience, sustainability and shifting visitor behaviours, the CEO Meeting will explore key challenges faced by our DMOs’ leadership and explore key paths for success and transformation.
The Human Pulse of Place and Purpose
CityDNA International Conference
& General Assembly, April 22-24, 2026
At a time when European destinations are reshaping their visitor economies amid global transformation, the CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly, taking place in Helsinki on April 22-24, 2026, invites members and partners to explore what lies before and beyond the data.
Climate Change and the Future of Tourism
Trend Room Whitepaper
The Whitepaper written in collaboration with ETFI is based on findings from a scenario workshop that explored how the impacts of climate change will transform the travel landscape of urban tourism destinations in the long term of 5 to 10 years by means of future scenarios (2035 is taken as time horizon).
City Travel Report by CityDNA 2024-2025
A New Era of Recalibration for European City Tourism
The City Travel Report by CityDNA provides a vital perspective on the volume of urban tourism in Europe, enabling individual city destinations to chart trends and to benchmark themselves in terms of volume and other parameters, especially key source markets. It presents compelling evidence of the economic significance of contemporary urban tourism. Put simply, cities are the dominant geographical focus of European tourism, especially the lucrative (and therefore much sought after!) short break and congress and/or conventions segments.
The Score is Not the Story
VivaCITY Whitepaper from CityDNA & Simpleview
What’s Beyond the Sustainability Score? In a time when certifications and indexes dominate the sustainability narrative, this whitepaper invites destination leaders to look deeper—beyond metrics and toward meaningful, transformative strategies.
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 CEO MEETING 👩💼👨💼] Over two days in Barcelona, CEOs from 49 destinations across 23 countries, representing CityDNA member cities, came together for the 19th CityDNA CEO Meeting to address one of the most pressing questions facing Europe’s visitor economy today:
How do cities protect reputation, strengthen community trust and remain globally competitive in times of pressure and transformation?
Against a backdrop of global turbulence — political uncertainty, climate risk, skills shortages and shifting public expectations — discussions moved beyond promotion to focus on governance, evidence and place leadership.
We were privileged to hear global and city-level perspectives from:
- Christopher Imbsen, Vice President Policy at the World Travel & Tourism Council, on cities as frontline actors in tourism resilience
- Corinne Menegaux, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, on mediation, data and legitimacy
- Mateu Hernández, Turisme de Barcelona, on long-term tourism governance and public trust
- Raymond Keaney, Technological University Dublin, on positioning tourism within the EU policy and funding agenda
- Greg Clark, Global Cities Expert and Co-Founder of The DNA of Cities, on reputation as a function of urban development, social capital and long-term resilience
🙏 Thank you to Barcelona for hosting us in a city that embodies dialogue, design and difficult but necessary choices.
🤝 Thank you to IMEX Group for sponsoring and supporting this important CEO exchange.
#CityDNA #CityDNACEOMeeting #VisitorEconomy #Reputation #CommunityTrust #UrbanLeadership #DMOs #Europe #Barcelona](https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/wp-content/plugins/social-wall/img/placeholder.png)
[CITYDNA CEO MEETING 👩💼👨💼] Over two days in Barcelona, CEOs from 49 destinations across 23 countries, representing CityDNA member cities, came together for the 19th CityDNA CEO Meeting to address one of the most pressing questions facing Europe’s visitor economy today:
...
How do cities protect reputation, strengthen community trust and remain globally competitive in times of pressure and transformation?
Against a backdrop of global turbulence — political uncertainty, climate risk, skills shortages and shifting public expectations — discussions moved beyond promotion to focus on governance, evidence and place leadership.
We were privileged to hear global and city-level perspectives from:
- Christopher Imbsen, Vice President Policy at the World Travel & Tourism Council, on cities as frontline actors in tourism resilience
- Corinne Menegaux, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, on mediation, data and legitimacy
- Mateu Hernández, Turisme de Barcelona, on long-term tourism governance and public trust
- Raymond Keaney, Technological University Dublin, on positioning tourism within the EU policy and funding agenda
- Greg Clark, Global Cities Expert and Co-Founder of The DNA of Cities, on reputation as a function of urban development, social capital and long-term resilience
🙏 Thank you to Barcelona for hosting us in a city that embodies dialogue, design and difficult but necessary choices.
🤝 Thank you to IMEX Group for sponsoring and supporting this important CEO exchange.
#CityDNA #CityDNACEOMeeting #VisitorEconomy #Reputation #CommunityTrust #UrbanLeadership #DMOs #Europe #Barcelona
[THE HUMAN PULSE OF PLACE AND PURPOSE ] Congratulations to our Helsinki Happiness Challenge winners! ✨
We are delighted to announce that Arantzazu Viteri & Ainhoa Córdoba from San Sebastian Tourism / Donostia Turismoa have won the Helsinki Happiness Challenge 🏆
Their ...joint submission stood out for its creativity and authenticity: beautifully weaving Helsinki’s happiness narrative with Basque culture. From seaside saunas and silent moments by the Baltic to shared values of belonging and joy, their story captured what happiness truly feels like: local, human, and shared.
What they won
✔️ A weekend extension in Helsinki after the CityDNA International Conference
✔️ Two hotel nights
✔️ Two Helsinki Cards (attractions + transport)
✔️ A dinner for two at a top Helsinki restaurant
👏 Bravo to both of you and thank you to everyone who took part and shared their vision of Helsinki!
👉 Join us in Helsinki for the CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly on April 22-24 to experience the city, and its happiness, first-hand: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/citydna-international-conference-general-assembly-2026-helsinki/
#CityDNA #CityDNAHelsinki2026 #HelsinkiHappinessChallenge #MyHelsinki #CityDestinations #MeetingsIndustry #SustainableTravel My Helsinki Visit Helsinki
Photo by Pekka Keränen
[PRESS RELEASE 📣] /// Fully Booked Inaugural CityDNA CVB Expert Meeting in Graz Signals Growing Demand for Peer-Led CVB Capability Building ///
On January 20-21, 2026, City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) has successfully delivered the 1st CityDNA CVB Expert Meeting in Graz, a new ...peer-learning format created specifically for Convention Bureau (CVB) professionals. The inaugural edition was fully booked, welcoming 61 participants from 47 destinations across 20 European countries...
Read the press release: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/fully-booked-inaugural-citydna-cvb-expert-meeting-in-graz-signals-growing-demand-for-peer-led-cvb-capability-building/
#CityDNA #CityDNACVB #CVB #ConventionBureaux #MeetingsIndustry #DestinationManagement #BusinessEvents #PeerLearning #Networking #EventProfs Visit Graz Graz Convention Bureau
[CITYDNA CEO MEETING 👩💼👨💼] Voices shaping Europe’s conversation on reputation, Community Trust & Global Competitiveness
At the 19th CityDNA CEO Meeting in Barcelona, leading experts will frame the debate and support CEOs in building a shared roadmap for Europe’s ...visitor economy:
🎙️ Professor Greg Clark CBE (The DNA of Cities)
Global authority on cities and urban development, exploring how reputation is shaped by housing, governance and inclusive growth, and why tourism must be part of wider city strategy.
🌍 Christopher Imbsen (World Travel & Tourism Council)
Bringing a global policy perspective on trust, misinformation and sustainability narratives, and how destinations can align local action with international advocacy.
🇪🇺 Raymond Keaney (Technological University Dublin)
With the outcomes of the recent #EuropeanTourismDay in Brussels, linking CityDNA work and mission with EU policy priorities, and positioning DMOs as strategic partners in Europe’s Tourism Strategy 2026. Together with peer-to-peer CEO exchanges and working sessions, their insights will feed into the co-creation of a CityDNA Reputation & Resilience Framework: practical, political and actionable.
📍 Barcelona
🗓 February 9-10, 2026
For CEOs only. Register before February 2: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/19th-citydna-ceo-meeting-2026-barcelona/
#CityDNA #CityDNACEOMeeting #VisitorEconomy #DestinationLeadership #ReputationAndTrust #UrbanCompetitiveness
[THE HUMAN PULSE OF PLACE AND PURPOSE 💓] The Helsinki Happiness Challenge is on, and the prize is a weekend in Helsinki! ✨
In the frame of CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly in Helsinki (April 22-24, 2026), we’re inviting all participants to create their dream ...weekend in Helsinki: what would you do, see, taste, and experience — if you had 48 hours to fall in love with the city?
How to participate:
1. Get inspired by MyHelsinki.fi (local tips, hidden gems, restaurants, saunas, design & culture)
2. Write a short story or itinerary (max 300 words)
3. Submit via the competition form by January 31, 2026
🏆 Prize (right after the Conference: April 24-26, 2026):
• 2 hotel nights for 2
• 2 Helsinki Cards (attractions + transport)
• Dinner for two at one of Helsinki’s top restaurants
📅 Key dates
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Winner announced: February 3, 2026
👉 Register + enter the challenge: https://lnkd.in/eSAQTNws
#CityDNA #CityDNAHelsinki2026 #HelsinkiHappinessChallenge #MyHelsinki #CityDestinations #MeetingsIndustry #SustainableTravel
[EUROPEAN TOURISM DAY 🌍] Yesterday, at the EU Tourism Day taking place in #Brussels, City Destinations Alliance welcomed the ambitious vision for the future of Europe’s tourism ecosystem — centered on resilience, sustainability, digital transformation, and strengthened EU leadership.
...
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism outlined three priorities to be deployed in the upcoming EU strategy for tourism that strongly align with the work of #CityDNA:
1️⃣ Managing overconcentration & safeguarding liveability
The growing pressure on local resources and infrastructure calls for a smarter balance between visitor flows and residents’ quality of life. The EU’s upcoming guidelines on managing overconcentration will be crucial for destinations navigating these challenges.
2️⃣ Building climate resilience & greener mobility options
The Commissioner’s emphasis on better multimodal connectivity, stronger rail networks, and harmonised passenger rights aligns directly with the concerns raised by our members.
3️⃣ Accelerating the digital transition & empowering destinations with data
Digitalisation is now foundational to tourism management. The development of the EU Tourism Data Space represents a major step forward, and CityDNA is proud to contribute through DEPLOYTOUR-Deployment European Tourism Data Space, ensuring the voice and needs of European destinations are reflected in its design.
A shared vision for Europe’s tourism future
The alignment between EU priorities and CityDNA’s mission is clear: Europe needs thriving, resilient, and balanced destinations — empowered by data, supported by innovation, and strengthened through collaboration.
Destinations shall be able to invest in people, people and skills must come first, tackling labour shortages through training, apprenticeships and mobility. Cities must work on their community heritage to make tourism thriving, contributing to the EU leading role in global tourism.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue with 50 CEOs of #DMOs during CityDNA CEO Meeting in #Barcelona on February 9-10, and to working closely with EU institutions and industry partners to shape the future of European tourism together.
#CityDNA #EUTourism #EUTourismDay #DEPLOYTOUR #TourismDataSpace #EUStrategy #DestinationManagement #SustainableTourism #Barcelona #TourismLeadership #DataForGood #eventprofs
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[CVB EXPERT MEETING 🏙️] The 1st CityDNA CVB Expert Meeting in Graz has come to a close, and what a strong first edition it has been! 🎉
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for your energy, openness and generosity in sharing real challenges, practical tools and ideas we can ...take straight back to our CVBs. This is exactly what a peer-driven space should feel like!
A special thank you to our Graz hosts:
✨ Lisa Legat, Head of Graz Convention Bureau, for her hands-on support and flawless organisation
✨ Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, CEO of Graz Tourismus, for the warm welcome
We’re already looking ahead: the 2nd CityDNA CVB Expert Meeting will take place on January 26-27, 2027 in Timișoara, Romania 🇷🇴✨
See you there!
#CityDNA #CityDNACVB #CVB #ConventionBureaux #MeetingsIndustry #DestinationManagement #BusinessEvents #PeerLearning #Networking #EventProfs Visit Graz
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[CVB EXPERT MEETING 🏙️] We wrapped up the 1st CityDNA CVB Expert Meeting in Graz with a final **Case Study Showcase, **and a strong reminder that competitiveness is increasingly built on smart funding, academic collaboration, and local expertise.
💶 Vienna (Sophie Albl, Vienna ...Convention Bureau) shared how the Vienna Meeting Fund is strengthening financial resilience and sustainable growth: a €12m programme (2021–2028) designed to incentivise events (including in lower-demand periods), support organisers through clear eligibility criteria, and embed sustainability through mechanisms like Green Event certification.
🧩 Košice (Ivana Kavulič, Visit Košice) showed how smaller destinations can punch above their weight by mapping intellectual capital across academia, healthcare and industry, and strengthening reach through collaboration with Bratislava to target events that truly match local strengths.
🧠 Maastricht (Jurgen Moors, Maastricht Convention Bureau) presented a powerful evolution: from city bureau to a regionally integrated “triple helix” model connecting universities, government and industry, aligning business events with long-term economic goals and leveraging real-time monitoring to demonstrate impact across the wider region.
We then brought it all together with the Interactive Walls' Highlights & Takeaways, spotlighting the most-voted tips, clever hacks and practical tools shared by peers, before closing with final reflections and next steps on how these insights will carry forward beyond Graz.
Thank you to every participant who contributed so openly: this is peer learning at its best!
#CityDNA #CityDNACVB #CVB #ConventionBureaux #MeetingsIndustry #DestinationManagement #BusinessEvents #PeerLearning #Networking #EventProfs #Funding #AcademicCollaboration #Legacy #Sustainability #KnowledgeEconomy