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
![[PRESS RELEASE 📣] /// Beyond Boundaries: The CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest Inspires a Bold Rethink of the Visitor Economy and Business Transformation ///
Held from April 9 to 11, 2025, in the heart of Hungary’s vibrant capital, the City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) International Conference & General Assembly brought together over 250 tourism leaders, destination experts and changemakers from across Europe to explore how cities can drive business transformation through the visitor economy. Under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation”, the conference, hosted in collaboration with Budapest Brand, offered a dynamic programme of thought leadership, data-driven insights, and cross-sector collaboration – reflecting the increasing need for convergence within European cities.
Read the press release: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/beyond-boundaries-the-citydna-international-conference-2025-in-budapest-inspires-a-bold-rethink-of-the-visitor-economy-and-business-transformation/
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #UrbanTourism #VisitorEconomy #TourismTransformation #DMOs #SustainableTourism #CityLeadership #TourismWithPurpose #RegenerativeTourism #SmartDestinations #FutureOfTourism #PlaceMaking #TourismInnovation #DestinationManagement #ConferenceRecap Visit Budapest](https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/wp-content/plugins/social-wall/img/placeholder.png)
[PRESS RELEASE 📣] /// Beyond Boundaries: The CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest Inspires a Bold Rethink of the Visitor Economy and Business Transformation ///
Held from April 9 to 11, 2025, in the heart of Hungary’s vibrant capital, the City Destinations Alliance ...(CityDNA) International Conference & General Assembly brought together over 250 tourism leaders, destination experts and changemakers from across Europe to explore how cities can drive business transformation through the visitor economy. Under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Driving Tourism’s Business Transformation”, the conference, hosted in collaboration with Budapest Brand, offered a dynamic programme of thought leadership, data-driven insights, and cross-sector collaboration – reflecting the increasing need for convergence within European cities.
Read the press release: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/beyond-boundaries-the-citydna-international-conference-2025-in-budapest-inspires-a-bold-rethink-of-the-visitor-economy-and-business-transformation/
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #UrbanTourism #VisitorEconomy #TourismTransformation #DMOs #SustainableTourism #CityLeadership #TourismWithPurpose #RegenerativeTourism #SmartDestinations #FutureOfTourism #PlaceMaking #TourismInnovation #DestinationManagement #ConferenceRecap Visit Budapest
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] Last week in Budapest, the CityDNA CVB Café brought the curtain down on our International Conference with energy, insight, and true peer-to-peer exchange.
In this interactive, informal setting, Convention Bureau professionals shared challenges and solutions around... key topics shaping our industry.
The session’s dynamic format and collaborative spirit were widely praised — reaffirming the CVB Café as a cornerstone of the CityDNA community.
Next stop: Frankfurt!
📍 CityDNA CVB Café – Frankfurt
🗓 Monday, May 19 | 🕡 18:30
📌 Hotel nhow Frankfurt
💶 Fee: 49 € | 🗓 Register by May 13
Whether you're looking to dive into real industry conversations or warm up for IMEX, this is your moment.
🔗 https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/cvb-cafe-2025-frankfurt/
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #CityDNACVBCafé #MeetingsIndustry #IMEXFrankfurt #PeerLearning #ConventionBureaux #EventProfs
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] Some events go beyond what’s planned — they leave a lasting imprint.
The CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest was unforgettable not only for its ideas and dialogue, but for the incredible moments of connection we shared across the city. From the ...welcome reception at the Hungarian House of Music, to the dazzling Danube cruise aboard the Europa Ship, and the energising CityDNA Morning Run — the social programme showcased the very best of Budapest’s spirit, creativity, and hospitality.
This conference was also a deeply meaningful one — one of the final acts of Budapest Brand, the team who worked tirelessly to secure the hosting rights and deliver a flawless event, even as the organisation prepares to close at the end of the month.
To Ágnes Bakó, Nikolett Mihalovics, Györgyi Ehmann, Anna Kepes, and Csaba Faix: your dedication, professionalism, and passion were visible in every detail — from the logistics at the venues to the human warmth behind every moment!
More than a milestone, this conference was a celebration of what happens when people come together with purpose, courage, and heart. ❤️
Budapest, you welcomed us not just as guests — but as part of your story. And for that, we are deeply grateful.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #BudapestBrand #ThankYouBudapest #VisitorEconomy #TourismLeadership #DMO #Gratitude
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] A heartfelt thank you to all our incredible partners who helped make the CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries International Conference in Budapest an unforgettable success! 🙌
Your support, insights, and collaboration were instrumental in pushing boundaries, sparking bold ...conversations, and shaping the future of our industry together. 💬💡
From transformative tourism to tech-driven innovation, from sustainability to inclusive growth — none of it would have been possible without your trust and engagement.
Let’s continue to build meaningful connections, challenge the status quo, and lead the way for Europe’s visitor economy. 🚀
Here’s to going beyond boundaries — together.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #PartnershipsMatter
Mash Media / HQ Mags / Snapsight / Destinatie Nederland / ForwardKeys / Lighthouse / Mabrian Technologies Official / Modul University Vienna / MMGY TCI Research / Saint Elmo's / TOPOSOPHY / IMEX / Simpleview / The Data Appeal Company / Miles Partnership / The View Giantwheel Events
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] Can tourism be more than an industry — can it be a force for social good?
In the final session of the CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest, tourism leaders, Olivér Csendes, CEO of Visit Hungary, Csaba Faix, CEO of Visit Budapest, Pia Lange ...Christensen, CEO of VisitAarhus and Petra Stušek, CEO of Visit Ljubljana, came together for “Think Big: The Visitor Economy as a Catalyst of Social Good” to explore how destinations can create meaningful impact for both visitors and residents.
This closing session highlighted inspiring examples of how DMOs are evolving their role from marketing organisations to community connectors and change-makers.
Key takeaways:
🌱 Regenerative, Resilient, Respectful — tourism that gives back, adapts quickly, and fosters mutual understanding
🤝 DMOs are bridging tourism with city life — collaborating on safety, waste management, and quality of life
💬 Measuring community sentiment is essential to guide future strategies
🔮 The future of tourism will centre on inclusion, equity, sustainability, and shared value for residents and visitors alike
Tourism is no longer just about driving numbers — it’s about driving positive change.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #VisitorEconomy #SocialImpact #TourismLeadership #RegenerativeTourism #FutureOfTourism #DMOLeadership #DestinationStrategy #CommunityWellbeing #InclusiveTourism Visit Budapest
[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🌆 How can destinations move from managing tourism to shaping better places to live, work and visit?
Today at the CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest, two inspiring parallel sessions explored the transformative power of tourism — when it’s ...designed with local communities, not just for visitors.
→ Reimagining Urban Spaces: How Local Voices Can Revitalise Tourism with David Aboulkheir (Paris Region Council) and Jorn van der Eng (Spotted by Locals) showed how tactical urbanism, community engagement and creative re-use of public spaces can unlock new value for both residents and travellers — making cities more vibrant, authentic and inclusive.
→ Travel that Transforms with Iris Kerst and Ko Koens (Hogeschool Inholland) explored the emerging concept of transformative tourism — where small-scale projects, cross-sector collaboration and regenerative placemaking create meaningful experiences that benefit both visitors and local communities.
🔑 The future of tourism is local, collaborative, and deeply connected to place. It’s not just about attracting visitors — it’s about building better cities.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #UrbanTourism #Placemaking #TransformativeTourism #SustainableTourism #DestinationStrategy #CommunityEngagement #VisitorEconomy #DMOLeadership #FutureOfTourism Visit Budapest
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[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍]💡 Great visitor experiences don’t happen by accident — they are designed from the inside out and managed with data-driven precision.
At the CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest, new parallel sessions explored two essential, often overlooked ...dimensions of successful tourism management: internal communication and smart visitor flow management.
→ How Internal Communication Can Improve the Visitor Experience with Els Van Zele (Stad Mechelen) and Esther Virto (Bilbao Turismo) reminded us that engaged and well-informed teams are the first ambassadors of a destination. Breaking silos, improving feedback loops, and fostering collaboration between marketing, front office, and leadership are crucial to ensuring seamless visitor experiences.
→ Beyond the Hotspots: Harnessing Data to Disperse Visitors and Manage Overtourism with Hannah Babineau (The Data Appeal Company) and Carlos Cendra Cruz (Mabrian Technologies) showcased how destinations can move from marketing to management — using data, resident sentiment analysis, and smart segmentation to balance flows, combat hyper-tourism, and create a more sustainable visitor economy.
🔑 The future of tourism requires a double shift: internal alignment and external intelligence — empowering teams and leveraging data to shape better places for residents and visitors alike.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #TourismStrategy #VisitorExperience #InternalCommunication #Overtourism #SmartTourism #DataDrivenDestinations #VisitorEconomy #FutureOfTourism #DMOLeadership Visit Budapest
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[BEYOND BOUNDARIES 🌍] 🌱 Can tourism grow — without growing its environmental footprint?
At the CityDNA International Conference 2025 in Budapest, the session “Climate Action: Reducing Tourism’s Footprint without Sacrificing Growth” brought together sustainability experts from... VisitSweden (Susanne Andersson), VisitScotland (Gwen Raez), Breda University of Applied Sciences (Nina Nesterova), and Sustainable Travel International (Paloma Zapata).
Their message was clear: the future of tourism is not about travelling less — it’s about travelling better.
Key takeaways for destinations:
♻️ Circular economy, slow travel and local experiences are shaping new visitor expectations
🚆 Shifting from long-haul dependency to domestic & short-haul markets can reduce emissions while boosting local economies
📊 Data-driven strategies help destinations understand emissions hotspots and design targeted decarbonisation plans
🤝 Cross-sector collaboration between tourism, transport, and suppliers is key to scaling impact
💡 Climate action is no longer optional — it’s an essential driver of value, trust, and competitiveness
Tourism’s growth story is being rewritten — and sustainability is at its core.
#CityDNA #BeyondBoundaries #SustainableTourism #ClimateAction #RegenerativeTourism #VisitorEconomy #TourismLeadership #FutureOfTourism #DMOLeadership #DestinationStrategy Visit Budapest