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.
Beyond Boundaries: register now!
CityDNA International Conference, April 9-11, 2025
The CityDNA International Conference & general Assembly taking place in Budapest on April 9-11, 2025 crafted around “Beyond Boundaries: Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation”, offers a unique platform for industry leaders, destination managers, and visionaries to shape the future of tourism and city innovation.
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…
CityDNA Live
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Beyond the Ballroom – The Evolution of Meetings & Events! 🎭🚀
Business events are no longer just about venues—they’re about experiences. 💡✨ From hybrid formats to immersive activations, festivals, and live events, the future of meetings is ...being redefined. How can destinations, venues, and planners stay ahead and create events that not only engage audiences but also shape a city's identity?
Join Hannes Schwarm, Director, VOK DAMS Strategic Solutions, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest for a bold exploration of the forces transforming the meetings industry.
🔍 Discover how next-generation event strategies are making experiences as critical as the facilities themselves—and why reimagining events is key to destination branding and competitive advantage.
📅 Don’t miss this essential session in Budapest!
📍 On Thursday, April 10
Register: https://buff.ly/9Zv8muJ
💡 How do you see meetings and events evolving? Share your thoughts below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #MeetingsIndustry #EventInnovation #FutureOfMeetings #HybridEvents #DestinationBranding #ExperienceEconomy #LiveEvents #DMOs Visit Budapest
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features a black-and-white portrait of Hannes Schwarm, a bald man with a beard, labeled as Director at VOK DAMS Strategic Solutions. Below the portrait, the text "Beyond the Ballroom: The Evolution of Meetings & Events" is displayed in bold white capital letters.
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Funding the Future – Solving the Investment Gap in Tourism! 💰✨
Tourism is a key economic driver, but without the right investment, destinations risk falling behind. 🚀💡 How can cities secure funding for infrastructure, innovation, and ...sustainability while navigating today’s financial challenges?
Join Dariha Ambreen Choudhry, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company, Private Capital Real Estate, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest for a deep dive into innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and investment strategies that can unlock transformational projects for destinations.
🔍 This session will explore how cities and DMOs can attract investors, leverage alternative funding sources, and implement long-term financial solutions to ensure tourism’s continued growth and resilience.
📅 Don’t miss this critical discussion in Budapest!
📍 On Thursday, April 10
Register: https://buff.ly/BJfUzpF
💡 What do you think is the biggest funding challenge in tourism? Join the conversation below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #TourismInvestment #FundingTheFuture #SustainableTourism #PublicPrivatePartnerships #DestinationDevelopment #TourismEconomy #DMOs #FutureOfTourism Visit Budapest
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features a black-and-white portrait of Dariha Ambreen Choudhry, a woman with long dark hair, labeled as Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company. Below the portrait, the text "Funding the Future: Solving the Investment Gap in Tourism" is displayed in bold white capital letters.
[ONLINE SCENARIO WORKSHOP 💻] Climate Change & the Future of Tourism 🔮🌍
How will climate change reshape urban tourism by 2035? 🚀 Join our exclusive online Scenario Workshop hosted by the #CityDNATrendRoom Knowledge Group, on April 2, where CityDNA members will collaborate ...with European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI) experts Carolin Giarra & Stefan Hartman to explore future scenarios, map key implications, and identify strategies for long-term resilience.
🔹For CityDNA Members only
🔹Limited to 25 participants – max. 2 per destination
🔹Register by March 27
📌 The first results will be presented in Budapest at the #BeyondBoundaries CityDNA International Conference, and the full insights will shape a white paper for our Autumn Conference in Tórshavn 2025.
🔗 Secure your spot now!: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/scenario-workshop-trend-room-climate-change-the-future-of-tourism/
#CityDNA #CityDNATrendRoom #ClimateChange #UrbanTourism #ScenarioPlanning #FutureOfTourism
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Better Together – Aligning Marketing to Attract Talent, Visitors & Investment! 🚀🌍
In today’s competitive landscape, attracting talent, visitors, and investment isn’t just about tourism—it’s about a unified city brand. 💡✨ As these ...factors become increasingly interconnected, how can destinations break down silos and craft a cohesive narrative that elevates their global positioning?
Join Fabrice Bernard, Head of the City Development & Promotion Unit, Lausanne City, and Lionel Flasseur, Managing Director - Transition Management, One Provence, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest for a strategic deep dive into how cities can align their marketing, branding, and economic development efforts to drive long-term success.
🔍 Discover how some destinations are embracing integrated approaches that foster stronger collaboration, visibility, and impact—and how your city can do the same.
📅 Don’t miss this forward-thinking session in Budapest!
📍 On Thursday, April 10
Register: https://buff.ly/MyMmrTr
💡 How can cities build a brand that attracts talent, visitors, and investment? Share your thoughts below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #CityBranding #DestinationMarketing #TalentAttraction #Investment #DMOs #GlobalPositioning #PlaceBranding #FutureOfCities Visit Budapest
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features two black-and-white portraits: Fabrice Bernard, a man with short dark hair, labeled as Head of City Development & Promotion Unit at Lausanne City, and Lionel Flasseur, a man with short grey hair, labeled as Managing Director at One Provence – Transition Management. Below them, the text "Better Together: Aligning Marketing to Attract Talent, Visitors & Investment" is displayed in bold white capital letters.
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Beyond Leisure – Unlocking the Strategic Power of Incentive Travel! 💼✈️
Incentive travel isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game-changer for destination marketing. 🚀💡 While often overshadowed by leisure and meetings, this high-value segment drives... premium visitor spend, boosts brand perception, and delivers outsized economic impact.
Join Padraic Gilligan, Co-Founder of SoolNua, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest to explore how DMOs can position their cities as ‘incentive-ready’ destinations.
🔍 What does it take to attract corporate and agency buyers? This session will challenge traditional DMO strategies, offering real-world case studies and data-driven insights to showcase why incentives should be at the core of your tourism strategy.
📅 Don’t miss this essential discussion in Budapest!
📍 On Thursday, April 10
Register: https://buff.ly/duXPjpf
💡 How can your destination tap into the power of incentive travel? Join the conversation below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #IncentiveTravel #DestinationMarketing #HighValueTourism #TourismStrategy #DMOs #BusinessEvents #TourismEconomy #PremiumTravel Visit Budapest
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features a black-and-white portrait of Padraic Gilligan, a smiling man with short grey hair, labeled as Co-Founder of SoolNua. Below the portrait, the text "Beyond Leisure: Unlocking the Strategic Power of Incentive Travel" is displayed in bold white capital letters.
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🌟 Experience Budapest Beyond the Conference Room! 🌟
The CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly is not just about insightful discussions—it’s also about connecting in unforgettable settings.
🎶 Welcome Reception at the Hungarian... House of Music
Step into a masterpiece of sound and architecture! This award-winning venue blends immersive exhibitions, live performances, and open-air spaces for an evening of networking in a truly unique setting.
🚢 Gala Dinner on the Europa Ship
Sail into the night aboard the elegant Europa Ship, the largest event boat on the Danube. Enjoy breathtaking views, fine dining, and an atmosphere designed for celebration.
📽️ Watch this message from Csaba Faix, CEO of Budapest Brand, for a sneak peek at what awaits you! 🌍✨
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #Budapest #Networking #SocialEvents #HouseOfMusic #DanubeCruise #MeetInBudapest Visit Budapest
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Destination Success – Creating Wealth & Wellbeing for Communities! 📊✨
Tourism success is more than numbers—it’s about creating real value for residents, businesses, and the environment. 🌱💡 How can destinations take control and move towards... a more sustainable, value-driven tourism industry?
Join Gracen Chungath, Senior Vice-President, Destination Development, #DestinationCanada, and Dr. Rachel Dodds, Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest as they introduce Destination Canada’s Wealth & Wellbeing Index—a fresh approach to measuring tourism’s true impact.
🔬 Can just 3-5 key indicators replace 500+ traditional metrics to give a clearer picture of resident sentiment, overtourism, and environmental balance? This thought-provoking panel will explore new ways to measure success in destination development and help cities shape a more prosperous future.
📅 Don’t miss this essential discussion in Budapest!
📍 On Thursday, April 10
Register: https://buff.ly/duXPjpf
💡 What does success look like for your destination? Share your thoughts below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #TourismSuccess #WealthAndWellbeing #SustainableTourism #DestinationInnovation #DMOs #ResidentCentricTourism #FutureOfTourism #TourismMeasurement #SmartDestinations Visit Budapest
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features two black-and-white portraits: Gracen Chungath, a smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, labeled as Senior VP, Destination Development at Destination Canada, and Dr. Rachel Dodds, a woman with shoulder-length light hair, labeled as Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. Below them, the text "Destination Success: Creating Wealth & Wellbeing for Our Communities" is displayed in bold white capital letters.
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🔍 Travel That Transforms – Creating Meaningful Experiences! ✨🌱
Tourism isn’t just about places—it’s about people, impact, and transformation. 🌏💡 How can destinations design travel experiences that enrich both visitors and local ...communities?
Join Iris Kerst, Program Manager, ENSUT, Hogeschool Inholland, and Ko Koens, Professor of New Urban Tourism, Hogeschool Inholland, at the CityDNA International Conference in Budapest for an immersive workshop on transformative tourism.
🔄 Through interactive discussions and co-creation exercises, this hands-on session will explore new methodologies for designing tourism that is meaningful, regenerative, and sustainable. Walk away with practical frameworks to shape travel experiences that truly make a difference.
📅 Be part of this inspiring session in Budapest!
📍 On Friday, April 11
Register: https://buff.ly/duXPjpf
💡 How do you think travel can create real change? Join the conversation below! 👇
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #TransformativeTourism #MeaningfulTravel #RegenerativeTourism #SustainableDestinations #FutureOfTourism #TourismInnovation #DMOs #SmartTourism
Banner description for visually impaired individuals:
The left side features a scenic view of Budapest with the text "Beyond Boundaries – CityDNA International Conference" in bold white and orange letters, along with event details: "Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation, Budapest, April 9-11, 2025." Logos for City Destinations Alliance and Budapest Brand are also present.
The right side has a teal background with flashing orange, yellow and teal circles. It features two black-and-white portraits: Iris Kerst, smiling, with shoulder-length dark hair, labeled as Program Manager at Inholland University, and Ko Koens, a man with a beard, labeled as Professor of New Urban Tourism at Inholland University. Below them, the text "Travel That Transforms" appears in white capital letters.