GDS Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference 2024, Bruges

On October 15-19, 2024, destination professionals can enjoy an extraordinary event week, as City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), and Visit Bruges partner to bring you two incredible, back-to-back events, and the prestigious, annual GDS-Awards.

• The CityDNA Autumn Conference, on October 16-19, 2024, will provide destination professionals working for Tourist Boards, CVBs & DMOs with a unique occasion to meet and network with colleagues from Europe and beyond, while learning and sharing knowledge and insights on the latest trends and challenges or urban tourism in Europe. The CityDNA conference will showcase a diverse range of collaborative sessions, inspiring discussions, and innovative approaches.
• The GDS-Forum, on October 15-16, 2024, will convene destination leaders and sustainability champions from around the world. This is a dynamic and unconventional gathering to discuss sustainability and impact strategies and best practices, learn from GDS-Index journeys, and co-create new approaches and initiatives for greater regenerative destination management. It will follow a non-conference format with a focus on peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and creativity.
• The GDS-Awards Ceremony, on October 16, 2024, will bring both communities together in an entertaining and inspiring, evening-time celebration to recognise the winners of the 9th GDS-Index Awards. The larger platform enables greater reach and recognition for and aspiration around destinations whose sustainability contributions have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels in a global industry with a growing responsibility to “be the change we need to see in the world”.

With a rich history and a commitment to sustainability, Bruges sets the perfect stage for discussions on the future of tourism. The city’s ambition to be climate neutral by 2050 aligns seamlessly with our focus on ‘better’ rather than ‘more’ tourism. We anticipate a conference that will not only explore industry trends but also fosters connections in the warm and hospitable setting of Bruges.