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.
Refreshed City Perspectives
Reshaping, Rebalancing, Reigniting
the Visitor Economy
CityDNA Autumn Conference, Sep 30-Oct 2, 2025
In a world saturated with sameness, Tórshavn invites us to the edge — geographically, mentally and structurally — to radically rethink how we design and deliver the visitor economy.
Rather than defaulting to overused frameworks of sustainability and regeneration, this conference proposes a sharper, more actionable lens: reshaping, rebalancing and reigniting what tourism means for cities of all sizes.
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.
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 🎓] It's Faculty Friday!
From August 25-29, 2025, the #CityDNASummerSchool in Luxembourg will equip you with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. Meet this future-focused faculty line-up:
🎓 Richard Allchild from IMEX will help you master tradeshows and generate business
🎓 Tadeja Pivc-Coudyser from Antwerp Convention Bureau will show how to unlock new leads
🎓 Jonathan Easton from GEVME will explore how tech and AI are redefining meetings
Sharpen your strategy—join us in Luxembourg!
🔗 One month left to register: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
#CityDNA #eventprofs #FacultyFriday #AI #innovation #growth Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO](https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/wp-content/plugins/social-wall/img/placeholder.png)
[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] It's Faculty Friday!
From August 25-29, 2025, the #CityDNASummerSchool in Luxembourg will equip you with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. Meet this future-focused faculty line-up:
🎓 Richard Allchild from IMEX will help you master ...tradeshows and generate business
🎓 Tadeja Pivc-Coudyser from Antwerp Convention Bureau will show how to unlock new leads
🎓 Jonathan Easton from GEVME will explore how tech and AI are redefining meetings
Sharpen your strategy—join us in Luxembourg!
🔗 One month left to register: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
#CityDNA #eventprofs #FacultyFriday #AI #innovation #growth Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO
[VISITOR EXPERIENCE EXPERT MEETING ℹ️] 🎯 TICs aren’t solo players — they're the ultimate team connectors.
Whether it’s the museum down the street, the bakery with viral cinnamon buns, or that retired engineer-turned-top-rated guide… the magic of Tourist Information ...Centres is built on partnerships that work.
✨ This November, we're heading to Vilnius for the 12th Visitor Experience Expert Meeting, where we're diving into what makes the right partnership — from the brilliant to the unexpected.
🤝 In Alliance we trust.
Because let’s face it: great visitor experiences rarely happen in isolation.
Here’s what’s in it for you:
🔹 Steal (or share!) the best ideas in TICs today
🔹 Build your network with professionals across Europe
🔹 Learn what works — and what flopped — so you don’t have to
📍 November 27-28, 2025 | Vilnius
📌 Open to all TIC managers and front-office professionals — CityDNA members and non-members alike.
Ready to level up your collab game?
Register now: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/12th-visitor-experience-expert-meeting-2025-vilnius/
Let’s talk strategy. Let’s talk cinnamon buns. Let’s talk partnerships.
#CityDNA #CityDNAVisitorExperience #VisitorExperience #TourismExcellence #TICprofessionals #CollaborationMatters #TICpower #CollaborationIsKey #TourismProfessionals #CityPartnerships Go Vilnius
[REFRESHED CITY PERSPECTIVES 🌊] In a world full of sameness, how can we reshape, rebalance, and reignite the future of tourism? 🌍
At the CityDNA Autumn Conference in Tórshavn (September 30-October 2, 2025), we’ll explore refreshed city perspectives through:
🟩 RESHAPE |... Reimagining policies, strategies, and business models to build more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient destinations.
⚖️ REBALANCE | Confronting tensions and trade-offs to align tourism with community well-being and long-term environmental responsibility.
🔥 REIGNITE | Sparking bold ideas, fresh thinking, and renewed purpose for a visitor economy that’s visionary and future-fit.
Set at the edge of Europe, Tórshavn offers more than a location — it’s a methodology. Expect walkshops, campfire conversations, and space for honest dialogue.
💡 Join us where the future of tourism won’t just be discussed — it will be redefined: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/citydna-autumn-conference-2025-torshavn/
#CityDNA #RefreshedCityPerspectives #VisitorEconomy #DestinationLeadership #TourismReset #PlaceBasedThinking #FutureOfTourism Visit Tórshavn Visit Faroe Islands
[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] Strengthening Local Meetings Ecosystems Starts Here
Are you working with colleagues or partners who are new to the meetings industry? The CityDNA Summer School is the entry point into the world of business events – blending essential training, networking, and... hands-on learning in one unique experience!
📍 Where? Luxembourg
📅 When? August 25-29, 2025
🗓️ Deadline to register? August 18, 2025
Whether you're a DMO or CVB looking to upskill new team members, or want to empower your local partners (hotels, venues, congress centres, DMCs, or PCOs), this programme offers real value:
✅ Understand the full event value chain
✅ Learn how to collaborate across sectors
✅ Master bidding processes and stakeholder roles
✅ Network with peers from across Europe
🔗 Let’s build stronger, smarter, more connected destinations together!
📩 More info & registration: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
#CityDNA #CityDNASummerSchool #eventprofs #education #MeetingsIndustry #BusinessEvents #ProfessionalDevelopment Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO
[VIVACITY WHITEPAPER 📄] “The Score Is Not the Story”
VivaCITY, a 3-year city learning lab produced by City Destinations Alliance and Simpleview, is proud to unveil one of its outcomes: a whitepaper on sustainability in cities authored by Place Generation.
Watch this ...powerful video that captures this time the story you DON'T WANT to hear in 2050:
▶️ https://youtu.be/Np5DOdwlvkU?si=1gzHU1TDvOkq9jMS
Credits: BUBKA | B Corp™ Certified Wim Vermeulen
🔍 Make sure to read the Whitepaper to learn how the scores in today’s sustainability schemes are helping cities in Europe get to the story: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/initiatives/vivacity/#whitepaper
📘 The whitepaper gives an overview of the pros and cons of sustainability schemes, and features honest reflections from #Helsinki (ranked #1 on the GDS-Index) and #Gothenburg (previously ranked #1). Together with critical insights from experts in this field, the paper explores what The Scores really reflect, the trade-offs involved, and how we can best continue the conversation around sustainable tourism, so it becomes a meaningful story in all cities across Europe by 2050.
👀 Whether you’re working in strategy, marketing, or city leadership, or whether you are just beginning or advanced in sustainability - this is one to watch.
This whitepaper is a publication of #VivaCITY. It has been authored by Bianca Cassali and Elke Dens from Place Generation, with the support and guidance of Jukka Punamäki from Helsingin kaupunki - Helsingfors stad - City of Helsinki and Katarina Thorstensson from Göteborg/Gothenburg: The Official Guide.
Read the Press Release: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/the-score-is-not-the-story-new-whitepaper-urges-destinations-to-rethink-tourism-sustainability-indexes/
#VivaCITY #TheScoreIsNotTheStory #CityDNA #Simpleview #PlaceGeneration #SustainableTourism #TourismStrategy #CityBranding #DMOLeadership #FutureOfTourism #eventprofs #Bubka #WimVermeulen
We extend our sincere thanks to the many experts in the field whom we interviewed during the process—your insights have been invaluable:
Rebecca Armstrong The Travel Foundation
Guy Bigwood, FIEMA GDS-Movement
Randy Durband Global Sustainable Tourism Council
David E. Destination Capacity
Xavier Font University of Surrey Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Ramune Genzbigelyte Venturi European Commission
Dr Mireia Guix University of Queensland
Mary Isgro, MTA The Visionaries Tourism Consulting
Davy Jansegers Lausanne, Capitale Olympique
Thomas Laurell Stockholm Business Region
Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand IU International University of Applied Sciences
Mark Hauge Østergaard Business Hub Fyn
Matti Pollari Visit Tampere
Jukka Punamäki Helsinki Tourism and Destination Management - City of Helsinki
Albert Salman Green Destinations
Jeremy Sampson The Travel Foundation
Alenka Soršak Ljubljana Tourism
Katarina Thorstensson Gothenburg
Matias Thuen Jørgensen Centre for Tourism Research at Roskilde University
Miikka Valo Visit Espoo
Margrét Wendt Visit Reykjavik
[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] It’s Testimonial Thursday!
Every other Thursday, we’re sharing what past CityDNA Summer School Alumni had to say about their experience – right after attending!
What’s it like to join an immersive, hands-on learning experience with faculty and... peers from across Europe? Hear it directly from those who’ve lived it.
"I had a great time connecting with the faculty, the students, and exchanging industry knowledge! Friendly atmosphere, insightful educational sessions, and, of course, great networking possibilities!" – Alina Pomozova, Senior Account Manager, Europe Congress
📍This year’s edition takes place in Luxembourg, from August 25–29, 2025.
Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your skills, build your network, and shape your career in the meetings industry!
🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dVXr8bP7
#CityDNA #CityDNASummerSchool #eventprofs #education #TestimonialThursday #meetingsindustry Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO
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[TOURMIS WORKSHOP 📈] Join us in Vienna for the 20th TourMIS Users’ Workshop & International Seminar!
🗓️ September, 11-12 2025
📍 Modul University Vienna
City Destinations Alliance, the European Travel Commission, and Modul University Vienna are proud to host ...this milestone edition under the theme "Positive Social Impact of Tourism." 🌱
This annual gathering brings together destination managers, tourism analysts, academics, and international organisations to exchange insights and strategies on tourism data, performance measurement, and impact assessment.
Expect two days of:
🔍 In-depth workshops and forward-thinking discussions
🌐 Peer-learning across sectors and borders
🤝 Networking with experts shaping the future of tourism intelligence
Whether you're from a city DMO, national tourism board, university or consultancy — this event is for you.
🔗 Register by September 1, 2025 and explore the preliminary programme here: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/20th-tourmis-users-workshop-international-seminar-2025-vienna/
#CityDNA #TourMIS2025 #TourismData #SustainableTourism #PositiveImpact #TourismResearch #TravelIntelligence
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[CITYDNA SUMMER SCHOOL 🎓] It's Faculty Friday!
This August 25-29, 2025, the #CityDNASummerSchool in Luxembourg brings together purpose-driven strategies and bold new thinking. Meet these three inspiring faculty members:
🎓 Leena Lassila from Visit Helsinki will show how ...sustainability is smart business
🎓 Degmo Daar from NoorD Consulting will guide us in designing inclusive and welcoming events
🎓 James Latham from The Iceberg will explore the long-term value of legacy in event strategy
Be part of the transformation—join us in Luxembourg!
🔗 Register here: https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/event/39th-citydna-summer-school-2025-luxembourg/
#CityDNA #eventprofs #FacultyFriday #inclusivity #sustainability #legacy Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO