Partners

One important part of the CityDNA community is undoubtedly the partners who are supporting the network and its members, through knowledge opportunities or by enriching debates with their own data and views.

We want to ensure that each relationship is purposeful and aligned with our strategic goals.
Our partnership model prioritises cooperation and communication, balancing our partners’ desire to showcase their products with our members’ needs. We have introduced a standardised fee and defined partnership options to maintain consistency and value. We are enhancing partner visibility through dedicated spaces on our platforms and tailored activities that encourage meaningful connections.
Our goal is to create a balanced, cooperative environment where our partners feel valued and our shared objectives are met through respectful engagement.

Thanks to all our partners for their contribution, both in knowledge and actively supporting City Destinations Alliance and its goals!

Our platinum partners

ECM Spring 2011: Convention Workshops European Cities Marketing continues provide ECM convention members with major opportunities to cement their existing business networks and to meet potential new clients. Two workshops for the ECM Convention Forum members will be held in Spring 2011: Mercado and Meet Europe.

ECM Spring 2011: Convention Workshops

European Cities Marketing continues provide ECM convention members with major opportunities to cement their existing business networks and to meet potential new clients. Two workshops for the ECM Convention Forum members will be held in Spring 2011: Mercado and Meet Europe.

“A New Tomorrow” ECM Covid-19 response

ECM wants to continue to empower the conversation during this unprecedented situation with “A New Tomorrow”. Following input and needs of our members, we have now […]

Long Thinker Catalogue

“Long Thinker Catalogue”: thinking ahead to A New Tomorrow

Find out the ECM Long Thinker Catalogue! As part of the initiative #aNewTomorrow, we invited 10 Long Thinkers – experts in their fields, industry influencers and purposeful changemakers […]

#standwithUkraine

During our last conference in Hamburg, European Destinations got re-united and produced this collective statement. #standwithukraine We, the alliance of European city destinations, stand with Ukraine. […]

10 Reasons to Attend #DTIC2015

Here are 10 reasons to eliminate any excuses for not attending #DTIC2015 in Barcelona this year. These 10 reasons include an introduction to the theme of the event, […]

10th European City Tourism Monitor: the sun will shine on european cities’ tourism this summer According  to  the  results  of  the  10th European City Tourism Monitor,  city  tourism professionals participating  in  the survey expect bednights  in  the 3rd quarter of 2011  to  grow,  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2010.

10th European City Tourism Monitor: the sun will shine on european cities’ tourism this summer

According to the results of the 10th European City Tourism Monitor, city tourism professionals participating in the survey expect bednights in the 3rd quarter of 2011 to grow, compared to the same period in 2010.

10th TourMIS workshop “from Data to Action”

MODUL University Vienna is pleased to host two major events regarding tourism on September 11th and 12th, 2014: the 10th ETC & ECM TourMIS Users’ Workshop […]

11th TourMIS Users’ Workshop & Monitoring Sustainability

11th TourMIS Users’ Workshop & Monitoring Sustainability: International Seminar on Environmental and Social Tourism Indicators for Measuring Tourism Development Modul University Vienna was pleased to host […]

11th TourMIS Workshop, 10th -11th September, 2015

The 11th TourMIS Workshop, 10th -11th September, 2015, is organised by European Cities Marketing, European Travel Commission, United Nations World Tourism Organization, and MODUL University Vienna. […]

187,793 Square Metres Capacity for Green Events | The Congress Region of Stuttgart: Competence Centre for Sustainable Meetings

Certifications, awards and voluntary self-commitment are clear affirmations of a successful sustainablity model in the Stuttgart Region’s congress sector. The Stuttgart Convention Bureau continues to pursue […]

1964

A few far-seeing European Convention Bureaux got together to form the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) in Brussels. Its main ambition was to be the focal point for the Europe’s emerging Meetings Industry, the independent source of information for clients to search for destinations in Europe.

Over the years, EFCT has become the voice of experience in the European Meetings and Events Industry and a network that is playing a significant role in the International Meetings World.

1989

A handful of CEOs of French Tourist Boards regularly worked with their German counterparts and naturally wished to enrich their discussions with more European destinations. The Federation of European Cities Tourist Offices (FECTO) was officially created in 1989 and held its first General Assembly in Heidelberg.

1st ECM Academy in South Africa puts ECM as reference accelerator for Meetings Industry professionals worldwide

European Cities Marketing is going global and exports its ECM Summer School education programme outside Europe. The first edition of the ECM Academy will be organised […]

1st ECM Academy in South Africa puts ECM as reference accelerator for Meetings Industry professionals worldwide

European Cities Marketing is going global and exports its ECM Summer School education programme outside Europe. The first edition of the ECM Academy will be organised […]

1st ECM Meetings Statistics Report The first ECM Meetings Statistics Report will soon be released and made available to all ECM members on the intranet of the association. This report was one of the cornerstones of the ECM Research & Statistics Group for the year 2011 and it is thus a great pleasure to be able to share some of the key findings of this project with our readers.

1st ECM Meetings Statistics Report

The first ECM Meetings Statistics Report will soon be released and made available to all ECM members on the intranet of the association. This report was one of the cornerstones of the ECM Research & Statistics Group for the year 2011 and it is thus a great pleasure to be able to share some of the key findings of this project with our readers.

1st ECM TIC Hostmanship Award rewards best service offered to visitors

For the first time, European Cities Marketing organised a friendly competition based on best service in TICs. The winner has been revealed during ECM TIC Expert […]

1st edition of the ECM – ForwardKeys air travellers’ traffic barometer

ECM and ForwardKeys have decided to join forces in order to provide ECM members with a new report analysing the air traffic through ForwardKeys’ database. Entitled, […]

2001

FECTO built a more powerful identity which became European Cities Tourism (ECT).

2004-2007

ECT and EFCT were both working in the Tourism and Meetings Industry landscape and significantly expanded over the years. More than 50% of ECT and EFCT members belonged to both Associations and discussions logically came up to find synergies.

2007

Both associations merged forming European Cities Marketing, including one forum for Leisure and one for Meetings Industry related activities.

2013

More and more cities adopt a more holistic approach in the way they work, seeking for a better balance between visitors and inhabitants. A third forum on City Marketing was recently added to the portfolio in order to meet those needs. In addition to the President, there are now three Vice-Presidents who represent the three main subject areas that modern destination management and destination marketing organizations deal with. The name European Cities Marketing then revealed its full potential and the brand was refreshed in 2013.

2016 reflects great disparities between European destinations in the hotel industry

The latest ECM-MKG European Destinations Observatory report* points out that in European cities, in 2016, the Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)** experienced a modest growth (+ […]

2017 was the year of global growth for European hotel industry

The latest ECM-MKG European Destinations Observatory report* points out that, in European cities, the Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR)** experienced in 2017 a 6% growth compared […]

2019 Global Destination Sustainability Index and Awards Released

Today, the GDS-Index released the 2019 ranking of the sustainability performance of 50 global business tourism and events destinations, at the closing ceremony of the 58th […]

2022

The rebranding into City Destinations Alliance marked a key shift that has been underway for several years, and accelerated by the pandemic, namely that destination leadership involves much more than marketing. And last but not least, we are much more than a network; we are an alliance.

2023

The new CityDNA Strategy was released in April 2023. Welcoming Wegeneration is CityDNA’s long-term purpose and vision. It invites broad collective action. It sets the tone and direction for City Destinations Alliance until 2026.

2023 at a glance!

Reflecting on an Incredible Year: here is City Destinations Alliance 2023 Recap! Looking Ahead: With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, we embark […]

2024 at a glance!

Celebrating Our Impact: City Destinations Alliance 2024 Recap! Looking Forward: With pride in our achievements and determination to keep innovating, we step into 2025 ready to […]

21 million more international tourists in the first half of 2015

The number of international tourist arrivals grew by 4% in the first half of 2015 according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Destinations worldwide received […]

22nd Success of ECM Summer School

The 22nd edition of ECM Summer School was hosted by the city of Opatija, Croatia, on 30th August – 3rd September 2008.

23rd ECM Summer School: Playing our part in the green future

Fifty-three participants from 17 different countries came to Bolzano/Bozen in Italy to follow the 23rd ECM Summer School

24th ECM Summer School: It’s getting better all the time!

The 24th ECM Summer School was hosted by the city of Tampere, Finland, from 28th August to 1st September 2010.

25th ECM Summer School: Double Proof of Success

51 delegates participated in the silver anniversary of ECM’s annual Summer School. The venue for this uniquely challengi

27 September is World Tourism Day!

Every time we travel, for whatever reason, we are part of a global movement; a movement that has the power to drive inclusive development, create jobs […]

30th ECM Summer School in Zagreb: diversity, expertise and highest standards in education

Zagreb, a fast growing meetings destination in Europe, hosted the 30th edition of the ECM Summer School on August 27-31, 2016, providing evidence of the importance […]

30th ECM Summer School sets a new milestone in the Meetings Industry!

This year will see the 30th ECM Summer School take place in Zagreb, 27-31 August 2016.  The renowned educational programme on the Meetings Industry will provide […]

35th ECM Summer School: another successful edition dedicated to all meetings industry professionals!

The 35th edition of the ECM Summer School took place on August 24-26. All generations, need upskilling and a proper preparation for the coming revamp of […]

35th ECM Summer School: the established Meetings Industry educational programme reinvents itself and targets all Meetings Industry professionals this year

ECM launched this month its 35th edition of the ECM Summer School, which will take place online on August 24-26, 2021. In this current context, all […]

38th CityDNA Summer School in Brno: Empowering the Next Generation of Meetings Industry and CVB Professionals

City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) successfully concluded its 38th Summer School in Brno, Czech Republic, from August 27 to 31, 2024. 34 professionals from 24 destinations across […]
4th TourMIS Workshop 4th ETC/ ECM TourMIS Users’ Workshop and ETC / UNWTO International Seminar on Forecasting and Strategic Planning

4th TourMIS Workshop

4th ETC/ ECM TourMIS Users’ Workshop and ETC / UNWTO International Seminar on Forecasting and Strategic Planning

4th TourMIS Workshop 4th ETC/ ECM TourMIS Users’ Workshop and ETC / UNWTO International Seminar on Forecasting and Strategic Planning

5th ETC & ECM Joint TourMIS Users’ Workshop

We are pleased to announce that the 5th ECM & ETC Joint TourMIS Users’ Workshop will take place at MODUL University, in Vienna, 3rd – 4th September, 2009. The event addresses managers, academics, consultants and representatives of governments and international organisations dealing with tourism.

4th TourMIS Workshop 4th ETC/ ECM TourMIS Users’ Workshop and ETC / UNWTO International Seminar on Forecasting and Strategic Planning

5th ETC & ECM Joint TourMIS Users’ Workshop

We are pleased to announce that the 5th ECM & ETC Joint TourMIS Users’ Workshop will take place at MODUL University, in Vienna, 3rd – 4th September, 2009. The event addresses managers, academics, consultants and representatives of governments and international organisations dealing with tourism.

A record number of participants for 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop Vienna’s MODUL University this year hosted two major events on September 15 and 16: the 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop (day 1) and the International Seminar on New Media Analysis and Strategies for Tourism Marketing Organiations (day 2).

6th TourMIS Users’ Workshop

6th TourMIS Users’ Workshop and International Seminar on Demographic Change and Tourism,16th – 17th September, 2010. Organised by the European Travel Commission, UN World Tourism Organization, European Cities Marketing & MODUL University Vienna. The event will take place at MODUL University Vienna.

European Cities Marketing Website Benchmarking Modern day tourism organisations use standardised tools such as Google Analytics to collect and report website statistics. Yet are the standardised KPIs provided by these tools really able to add value? Where do they come from, how are they collected and why are they important?

8th TourMIS Users’ Workshop

Save the Date: 8th TourMIS Users’ Workshop & International Seminar on Key Performance Indicators for Destination Marketing 13th-14th September 2012

A Finnish Touch for the 24th ECM Summer School Tampere, Finland, will be the hosting city of the 24th ECM Summer School from 28th August to 1st September 2010. The programme is now available and registrations are open!

A Finnish Touch for the 24th ECM Summer School

Tampere, Finland, will be the hosting city of the 24th ECM Summer School from 28th August to 1st September 2010. The programme is now available and registrations are open!

A Finnish Touch for the 24th ECM Summer School

Tampere, Finland, will be the hosting city of the 24th ECM Summer School from 28th August to 1st September 2010.

A fruitful year 2021 for ECM!

Dear colleagues, It gives me great pleasure to present the annual ECM report of activities 2021. In the recent hard times, we especially felt that we […]

A heterogeneous recovery but cities regain their leadership towards regions and nations, shows CityDNA Benchmarking Report 2021-22

COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt tourism industry in 2021, although to a lesser extent than in 2020. CityDNA Benchmarking Report determined that the cities included in […]

A look back at a date with Robin Hood The ECM Autumn meeting was hosted by the city of Robin Hood, Nottingham. 109 delegates attended the full day seminar to learn more about“The visitor journey in European cities - striking a balance between brand promise and the reality of the visitor experience”.

A look back at a date with Robin Hood

The ECM Autumn meeting was hosted by the city of Robin Hood, Nottingham. 109 delegates attended the full day seminar to learn more about“The visitor journey in European cities – striking a balance between brand promise and the reality of the visitor experience”.

A new platform for City Cards across Europe: We Love City Cards!

Through the European Cities Marketing* network, 43 cities from 23 countries launched a new common brand to market their City Cards: We Love City Cards! This […]

A new platform for City Cards across Europe: We Love City Cards!

Through the European Cities Marketing network, 43 cities from 23 countries launched a new common brand to market their City Cards: We Love City Cards! This end […]

A NEW TOMORROW FOR CHINESE TOURISM IS COMING

A CONVERSATION WITH…   As part of the A New Tomorrow series of European Cities Marketing, Signe Jungersted of Group NAO interviewed Roy Graff, Managing Director […]

Strategies for Sustainable Recovery

A New Tourism Stigma After Corona?

May 13, 2020 In a focused session, our ECM partners shared some of their newest insights and data to help face the reputation issue the tourism […]

A portrait of Frédéric Cornet, new member of the Research & Statistics group Dear friends,  It was with great pleasure that I joined the R&S knowledge group during the last meeting in Zagreb.

A portrait of Frédéric Cornet, new member of the Research & Statistics group

Dear friends, It was with great pleasure that I joined the R&S knowledge group during the last meeting in Zagreb.

A portrait of Frédéric Cornet, new member of the Research & Statistics group Dear friends,  It was with great pleasure that I joined the R&S knowledge group during the last meeting in Zagreb.

A portrait of Frédéric Cornet, new member of the Research & Statistics group

Dear friends, It was with great pleasure that I joined the R&S knowledge group during the last meeting in Zagreb.

A portrait of Gillian Cruddas, chair of the Meetings Committee Gillian is an ECM Board member, and for the last two years has been chairing the Meetings Committee. This committee determines the scope and content of the Spring, Summer and Autumn meetings and monitors member feedback formally and informally. In essence, it seeks to maintain the quality and relevance of the three annual meetings which are the basis of ECM networking activity.

A portrait of Gillian Cruddas, chair of the Meetings Committee

Gillian is an ECM Board member, and for the last two years has been chairing the Meetings Committee. This committee determines the scope and content of the Spring, Summer and Autumn meetings and monitors member feedback formally and informally. In essence, it seeks to maintain the quality and relevance of the three annual meetings which are the basis of ECM networking activity.

A portrait of Heike Mahmoud, new ECM Convention Vice President At the General Assembly of European Cities Marketing held in Lyon, France, on 10th June 2011, Heike Mahmoud (Berlin) was elected as the Association’s new Vice President and the head of the Convention Forum.

A portrait of Heike Mahmoud, new ECM Convention Vice President

At the General Assembly of European Cities Marketing held in Lyon, France, on 10th June 2011, Heike Mahmoud (Berlin) was elected as the Association’s new Vice President and the head of the Convention Forum.

A portrait of... Charlotte Ullberg, the ECM Treasurer ...but Charlotte Ullberg is not only the ECM treasurer, officially approved by the General Assembly last June in Las Palmas. Since 2005 she has been the Marketing Director MIC at Uppsala Tourism, prior to which she worked as Business Development Manager for Stockholm Visitors Board AB (formerly called the Stockholm Information Service),

A portrait of… Charlotte Ullberg, the ECM Treasurer

…but Charlotte Ullberg is not only the ECM treasurer, officially approved by the General Assembly last June in Las Palmas. Since 2005 she has been the Marketing Director MIC at Uppsala Tourism, prior to which she worked as Business Development Manager for Stockholm Visitors Board AB (formerly called the Stockholm Information Service),

A portrait of… Denis Zanon, the ECM Treasurer Denis Zanon worked over a 24 year period for tourist organisations situated in the French Alps, working in places such as Chamonix, Annecy, and Courchevel. A specialist in business tourism, he moved south to the Côte d’Azur to become the new General Manager of Nice Tourisme et Congrès in July 2008. Treasurer of ECM since October 2010, Denis Zanon now reveals something of himself.

A portrait of… Denis Zanon, the ECM Treasurer

Denis Zanon worked over a 24 year period for tourist organisations situated in the French Alps, working in places such as Chamonix, Annecy, and Courchevel. A specialist in business tourism, he moved south to the Côte d’Azur to become the new General Manager of Nice Tourisme et Congrès in July 2008. Treasurer of ECM since October 2010, Denis Zanon now reveals something of himself.

A portrait of… Jean-Michel Lafond Serene, professional and always smiling. This is Jean-Michel Lafond as we all know him. Yet behind this smiling professional serenity is a precise, hard-working man, fighting for an idea. This idea is one of city tourism, of Europe, co-operating cities, a multicultural network and friendship.

A portrait of… Jean-Michel Lafond

Serene, professional and always smiling. This is Jean-Michel Lafond as we all know him. Yet behind this smiling professional serenity is a precise, hard-working man, fighting for an idea. This idea is one of city tourism, of Europe, co-operating cities, a multicultural network and friendship.

A portrait of…. ECM Vice President - Stefan Diender Since 1st January 2000, Stefan Diender is the CEO / Managing Director Amsterdam Tourist Board BV, holding company for BV Amsterdam Marketing & Data Center, Leisure Consultancy, Reservation Center, Tourist Office and Congress Bureau. An ECM Board member for the past two years, during the General Assembly in Gothenburg in June 2009, Stefan was elected the ECM Vice President for the Tourism Forum.

A portrait of…. ECM Vice President – Stefan Diender

Since 1st January 2000, Stefan Diender is the CEO / Managing Director Amsterdam Tourist Board BV, holding company for BV Amsterdam Marketing & Data Center, Leisure Consultancy, Reservation Center, Tourist Office and Congress Bureau. An ECM Board member for the past two years, during the General Assembly in Gothenburg in June 2009, Stefan was elected the ECM Vice President for the Tourism Forum.

A Preview of the European Cities’ Visitors Report 2008/09 Did you know…    That the international bednight volumes in European cities grew by 37% between 2002 and 2007.  That Spain was the fastest growing source market for city tourism in Europe.  That 62% of bednights registered in Berlin are registered by German visitors.

A preview of the European Cities’ Visitors Report 2008/09

Anyone with an interest in city tourism knows about the European Cities’ Visitors Report, which will be published by the end of December. This article describes in brief what can be found in its 140 pages and 200 charts.

A Preview of the European Cities’ Visitors Report 2008/09 Did you know…    That the international bednight volumes in European cities grew by 37% between 2002 and 2007.  That Spain was the fastest growing source market for city tourism in Europe.  That 62% of bednights registered in Berlin are registered by German visitors.

A Preview of the European Cities’ Visitors Report 2008/09

Did you know… That the international bednight volumes in European cities grew by 37% between 2002 and 2007. That Spain was the fastest growing source market for city tourism in Europe. That 62% of bednights registered in Berlin are registered by German visitors.

A record number of participants for 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop Vienna’s MODUL University this year hosted two major events on September 15 and 16: the 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop (day 1) and the International Seminar on New Media Analysis and Strategies for Tourism Marketing Organiations (day 2).

A record number of participants for 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop

Vienna’s MODUL University this year hosted two major events on September 15 and 16: the 7th TourMIS Users’ Workshop (day 1) and the International Seminar on New Media Analysis and Strategies for Tourism Marketing Organiations (day 2).

Accelerating change: Global Destination Sustainability Index releases 2017 results

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) has released today its second ranking of the sustainability performance of 40 meeting and events cities worldwide. The GDS-Index is a collaborative platform that promotes the […]

Accessible tourism: a right and a business opportunity

With the objective of highlighting the best accessibility practices that the private sector has implemented,  the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) organized, in cooperation with the ONCE […]

Adaptation & innovation in crisis time for Tourist Information Centres

140 Tourist Information Centres’ professionals representing 42 leading European cities joined the Digital ECM TIC Expert Meeting on September 30 – October 2, 2020 to exchange […]

Agenda Research & Statistics Knowledge Group meeting, European Cities Marketing 19th June The next Knowledge Group meeting will be particularly dense given the number of projects currently being developed and the relatively short duration of the event. The three main items on the agenda are...

Agenda Research & Statistics Knowledge Group meeting, European Cities Marketing 19th June

The next Knowledge Group meeting will be particularly dense given the number of projects currently being developed and the relatively short duration of the event. The three main items on the agenda are…

Agenda Research & Statistics Knowledge Group meeting, European Cities Marketing 19th June The next Knowledge Group meeting will be particularly dense given the number of projects currently being developed and the relatively short duration of the event. The three main items on the agenda are...

Agenda Research & Statistics Knowledge Group meeting, European Cities Marketing 19th June

The next Knowledge Group meeting will be particularly dense given the number of projects currently being developed and the relatively short duration of the event. The three main items on the agenda are…

AI Trials, Tribulations & Triumphs with VisitAarhus

IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDERS SØNDERGAARD, DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER, VISIT AARHUS AND SPEAKER AT CITYDNA AUTUMN CONFERENCE IN BRUGES: ‘LET PIGS FLY’ Written in collaboration between City […]

Airy Garrigosa Recipient of 2012 JMIC Unity Award

Airy Garrigosa, until very recently Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau and serving as ECM Board member received the best recognition in the Meetings Industry. Joint […]

Airy Garrigosa: Barcelona, the coolest city in Europe Airy Garrigosa has been an active ECM member since 2007 and the creation of ECM through the merger of the former European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) and European Cities Tourism (ECT) organisations. Currently she is an ECM board member and is chairing the “Client Oriented Activities” action group which oversees a variety of  convention events and workshop such as Mercado or Meet Europe.

Airy Garrigosa: Barcelona, the coolest city in Europe

Airy Garrigosa has been an active ECM member since 2007 and the creation of ECM through the merger of the former European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) and European Cities Tourism (ECT) organisations. Currently she is an ECM board member and is chairing the “Client Oriented Activities” action group which oversees a variety of convention events and workshop such as Mercado or Meet Europe.

Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International

An Opportunity for Destination Organizations to Be Seen as a Community Asset

#ANEWTOMORROW BLOG By Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International A while back CBS News in the United States reported results from a new poll […]

Analysing seasonal patterns in TourMIS The picture is clear in everyone’s mind: European cities are now packed with tourists, the streets full of people holding a map in one hand and a camera in the other, queues at the entrance of the main attractions, hotel rooms fully booked and the traffic congested. But as soon as the Christmas Season is over, the number of visitors can rapidly diminish making these same places look like ghost towns – until the next wave.

Analysing seasonal patterns in TourMIS

The picture is clear in everyone’s mind: European cities are now packed with tourists, the streets full of people holding a map in one hand and a camera in the other, queues at the entrance of the main attractions, hotel rooms fully booked and the traffic congested. But as soon as the Christmas Season is over, the number of visitors can rapidly diminish making these same places look like ghost towns – until the next wave.

André Moura: Forecasting in tourism can be a risky business!

European City Tourism Monitor is an ECM-based survey project undertaken by the Research & Statistics Knowledge Group. Established three years ago, this forecasting tool delivers valuable data and over the years member city participation in the quarterly survey has steadily risen. In this piece, André Moura, a leading member of the Group, explains the background to the project and how the data are processed and used in ways which are relevant for operations and policy.

Anne Wallin-Rødven tells us about the Mercado Workshop Since 1991, Anne Wallin-Rødven has managed the Convention Bureau of VisitOslo. She is committed to ECM and has been a member of the Board since her election in June 2007 at the General Assembly in Athens.  Attending the Mercado Workshop in Berlin on 17-19th February 2011, she tells us more about this event she helped to set up in 2009, when it took place for the first time in Montreux.

Anne Wallin-Rødven tells us about the Mercado Workshop

Since 1991, Anne Wallin-Rødven has managed the Convention Bureau of VisitOslo. She is committed to ECM and has been a member of the Board since her election in June 2007 at the General Assembly in Athens. Attending the Mercado Workshop in Berlin on 17-19th February 2011, she tells us more about this event she helped to set up in 2009, when it took place for the first time in Montreux.

Annual Conference in Las Palmas: New Strategy for ECM, Benchmarking Report and iPhone application. The latest ECM Annual Conference, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 9th to 12th June 2010, was a fruitful one. 122 delegates took the opportunity to attend the seminar “Social Media – a hot topic but does it really deliver visitors and revenue for city tourist organisations and convention bureaux?”

Annual Conference in Las Palmas: New Strategy for ECM, Benchmarking Report and iPhone application.

The latest ECM Annual Conference, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 9th to 12th June 2010, was a fruitful one. 122 delegates took the opportunity to attend the seminar “Social Media – a hot topic but does it really deliver visitors and revenue for city tourist organisations and convention bureaux?”

Annual ECM Benchmarking Report offers insights into the tremendous development of the European tourism industry

European Cities Marketing (ECM), the influential network of leading city tourist offices and convention bureaus, has released their annual ECM Benchmarking Report. Figures prepared by MODUL […]

As a good Swiss, Philippe Vignon will “neutrally” chair the ECM Seminar in Sofia Philippe Vignon is a Genevan fluent in French, German, English and Italian who started his professional career with l’Oréal Suisse before moving to EasyJet Geneva, where he stayed for  11 years as Marketing Executive. He became the Managing Director of Geneva Tourism & Conventions in April 2010. Philippe Vignon recently got involved in ECM and he already shows his strong motivation by chairing the next Seminar to be held in Sofia on 17th March.

As a good Swiss, Philippe Vignon will “neutrally” chair the ECM Seminar in Sofia

Philippe Vignon is a Genevan fluent in French, German, English and Italian who started his professional career with l’Oréal Suisse before moving to EasyJet Geneva, where he stayed for 11 years as Marketing Executive. He became the Managing Director of Geneva Tourism & Conventions in April 2010. Philippe Vignon recently got involved in ECM and he already shows his strong motivation by chairing the next Seminar to be held in Sofia on 17th March.

As European cities increase air connectivity, Istanbul stands out

A study for World Cities Day on October 31st, undertaken by ForwardKeys, the travel analytics firm, in partnership with European Cities Marketing, reveals that European cities […]

Attractions’ visitation on the rise this summer. September showing a rebound of satisfaction. Sentiment on Sanitary Safety remains positive overall.

European Cities Marketing (ECM) and TCI Research partner to monitor the COVID-19 city tourism rebound with the TRAVELSAT© Cities’ Heartbeat Dashboard. This partnership promotes and delivers […]

Authenticity and Innovation at the Forefront of City Destinations Alliance’s “Reality Check!” International Conference

City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) successfully wrapped up its annual International Conference & General Assembly on April 26, 2024, after three days of dynamic discussions and innovative […]

Balancing visitors and inhabitants | European Cities to share experiences at Gijón Conference

The European Cities Marketing Spring Meeting in Gijón will be held February 4-7, 2015 and will be dedicated to “Balancing visitors and inhabitants”. Worldwide tourism is […]

Balancing visitors and inhabitants | European Cities to share experiences at Gijón Conference

The European Cities Marketing Spring Meeting in Gijón will be held February 4-7, 2015 and will be dedicated to “Balancing visitors and inhabitants”. Worldwide tourism is […]

Beauty or Beast: Are virtual influencers coming to a destination near you?

IN CONVERSATION WITH MAARTEN REIJGERSBERG, RAUWcc, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT CITYDNA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN BOLOGNA: ‘REALITY CHECK! ON FACT AND FICTION IN URBAN TOURISM’ Written in collaboration […]

Bednight figures in European cities reach for the sky

European Cities Marketing has just published the seventh edition of its European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report.

Benchmarking Group Image study 2013 – Brand funnel

In September 2013, a group of cities known as the Benchmarking Group carried out a survey among a representative sample of their citizens on the image […]

Benchmarking the triumph of the European City

European Cities have out-performed nations and have become the driving force in the development of European tourism. The evidence and the facts are clear to see […]

Best practice in city marketing highlighted at ECM Bilbao

115 delegates participated in the ECM Autumn Meeting. The meeting was hosted by the city of Bilbao, Spain, from 16th to

Best practice sessions

Best practice sessions for the Meetings Industry Conventions-oriented plenary sessions offer a platform where ECM Conventions members can exchange best practice and have open discussions on […]

Big data

In many sectors, there is a need for data and information to better understand the business and the environment, and take the right decisions. Tourism is […]

Bilbao boosts best practice exchange during the ECM Autumn Meeting The event will be held  in Bilbao from 16th to 19th November 2011 and its one-day seminar will focus on best practice in city marketing – approaches, methods, projects and processes that have proven themselves over time and can act as role models.

Bilbao boosts best practice exchange during the ECM Autumn Meeting

The event will be held in Bilbao from 16th to 19th November 2011 and its one-day seminar will focus on best practice in city marketing – approaches, methods, projects and processes that have proven themselves over time and can act as role models.

Bordeaux joins the Global Destination Sustainability Index

4th of July 2019. Bordeaux Convention Bureau is the newest city to join the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). Bordeaux is now part of a global […]

Brand new edition of travel trade guide for European City cards puts the spotlight on 43 destinations !

Targeting travel operators and intermediaries, this new edition of the digital brochure presents you with all you need to know about 43 city cards from 23 […]

Brand new edition of travel trade guide puts the spotlight on 39 European City Cards!

Targeting travel operators and intermediaries, this new edition of the digital brochure presents you with all you need to know about 39 city cards from 22 […]

Brand new travel trade guide puts the spotlight on European City Cards!

Targeting travel operators and intermediaries, a new digital brochure is now available !

Brochure Partnership Opportunities

Throughout the years, City Destinations Alliance has built strong relations with partners. Would like to come onboard? See our Partnership document! {{ vc_btn: title=Find+out+more+%2B&link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.calameo.com%252Fread%252F000674014f0d576397ab0%7Ctarget%3A_blank }}

Building Blocks for Destination Positive

Exploring the transformative power of tourism, the last CityDNA Autumn Conference in Valencia focused on Climate Action, Social Responsibility, Circular Economy, and Societal Impact. The CityDNA […]

Call for Participation: ECM City Break Shopping Barometer

In 2009, the Research & Statistics Group initiated a project aimed at benchmarking city tourism destinations in Europe based upon a price level, the ‘City Break […]

Call for Speakers | The Elephant in the Room

We all know it’s there: The Elephant in The Room – that magnificent, big-eared presence that is too complex, too difficult, too sensitive, too uncomfortable to […]

Call for Speakers | Tourism in Transit

CITYDNA AUTUMN CONFERENCE – TEL AVIV, OCT 19-22, 2022 Attention all passengers: This is a Call for Speakers! We are calling on all City Destinations Alliance […]

Call for Speakers: Exploring your DMOJO!

European Cities Marketing International Conference, March 17-19, 2021 With this Call for Speakers, we are starting programming for the upcoming European Cities Marketing International Conference – […]

Call for Speakers: Re-United DestiNations

European Cities Marketing International Conference & General Assembly, March 30 – April 2, 2022 After almost two years in the shadow of the global pandemic, we […]

CALL FOR TENDER: CityDNA is seeking conference curators who can develop inspiring, innovative and forward-thinking programmes with original formats

City Destinations Alliance, the European knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban regions gathering 120+ destinations (DMOs), inspires and pushes forward the movement towards better urban […]
Camilla Nyman: The Challenging and Fascinating World of Social Media European Cities Marketing Annual Conference and General Assembly will be held from 9th to 12th June in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The seminar theme is a must for tourism professionals, entitled ‘Social Media – a hot topic, but does it really deliver visitors and revenue for city tourist organisations and convention bureaux’?

Camilla Nyman: The Challenging and Fascinating World of Social Media

European Cities Marketing Annual Conference and General Assembly will be held from 9th to 12th June in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The seminar theme is a must for tourism professionals, entitled ‘Social Media – a hot topic, but does it really deliver visitors and revenue for city tourist organisations and convention bureaux’?

Can AI tools build more people-centred cities?

IN CONVERSATION WITH URBANISTAI CO-FOUNDER, DAMIANO CERRONE, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT CITYDNA AUTUMN CONFERENCE IN VALENCIA: ‘BUILDING BLOCKS FOR DESTINATION POSITIVE’ Written in collaboration between City Destinations Alliance […]

CEOs of major European cities work together

Europe is looking to China, Russia, Japan and India for growth over the next 10 years according to research conducted by

City Branding is not about the logo

Prior ECM Spring Meeting in Madrid that will address the theme of City branding democratisation we asked a few questions to Robert Govers, Managing Research Partner […]

City Branding is not about the logo

Prior ECM Spring Meeting in Madrid that will address the theme of City branding democratisation we asked a few questions to Robert Govers, Managing Research Partner […]

City branding is not just for tourists

European Cities Marketing investigates the state of city branding in 2016 and the important role CTOs, CVBs and CMOs have to play in branding and marketing […]

City branding is not just for tourists

European Cities Marketing investigates the state of city branding in 2016 and the important role CTOs, CVBs and CMOs have to play in branding and marketing […]

City Branding Trends and Sustainability Priorities: Q&A with Florian Kaefer, The Place Brand Observer

Florian Kaefer from The Place Brand Observer answered our questions on city branding trends and sustainability priorities.   What are the links between city branding and […]

City Break comes to Gothenburg City Break 2009, organized by Reed Travel Exhibitions in cooperation with European Cities Marketing, will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The show, which is in its 4th year, will take place from 15th – 16th June 2009 and is a buyer driven specialist travel trade event dedicated to the growth of the city break market.

City Break comes to Gothenburg

City Break 2009, organized by Reed Travel Exhibitions in cooperation with European Cities Marketing, will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The show, which is in its 4th year, will take place from 15th – 16th June 2009 and is a buyer driven specialist travel trade event dedicated to the growth of the city break market.

City Break comes to Gothenburg City Break 2009, organized by Reed Travel Exhibitions in cooperation with European Cities Marketing, will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The show, which is in its 4th year, will take place from 15th – 16th June 2009 and is a buyer driven specialist travel trade event dedicated to the growth of the city break market.

City Break in Pictures

The City Break exhibition 2009 was held prior to the ECM conference, on 15th and 16th June in Gothenburg This year, ETOA was delighted to co-host City Break with European Cities Marketing. With over 350 participants the show brought together the best that Europe’s cities can offer for top European buyers.

City Break Shopping Barometer for ECM destinations In times of crisis cut-price strategies are often seen as the only possible way to stimulate demand. Of course, such strategies only pay off if the price advantage is effective –how do you know if your destination is price competitive? And for which services, specifically? Now ECM and TourMis are able to offer a way to benchmark your city’s price competitiveness.

City Break Shopping Barometer for ECM destinations

In times of crisis cut-price strategies are often seen as the only possible way to stimulate demand. Of course, such strategies only pay off if the price advantage is effective –how do you know if your destination is price competitive? And for which services, specifically? Now ECM and TourMis are able to offer a way to benchmark your city’s price competitiveness.

City Destinations Alliance Autumn Conference 2023: Paving the Way for Positive Urban Tourism

The City Destinations Alliance Autumn Conference 2023, held in Valencia from October 3 to 7, brought together a record-breaking 240 attendees of forward-thinkers, visionaries, and tourism […]

City Destinations Alliance elected Executive Committee and Board Members

At the General Assembly of the newly formed City Destinations Alliance (formerly European Cities Marketing) held in Hamburg on March 30, 2022, Board Members, Treasurer and […]

City Destinations Alliance Elections 2023: Continuity is keyword this year in order to implement medium and long-term projects for the Association

At the General Assembly of City Destinations Alliance held in Sofia on April 21, 2023, Board Members, Vice-Presidents and President were elected by the association’s members. […]

City Destinations Alliance elects new Leadership during “Reality Check!” International Conference

On April 24, 2024, during City Destinations Alliance International Conference & General Assembly in Bologna, gathering an international audience of 225 tourism and city marketing professionals, […]

City Destinations Alliance in Pursuit of Positive Impact of Tourism

WELCOMING WEGENERATION: City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) members approved a new strategy during its annual conference and General Assembly in Sofia last week. The 115+ Destinations Marketing […]

City Destinations Alliance is Born

From March 31, 2022, City Destinations Alliance is the new name and identity of the organisation formerly known as European Cities Marketing. The rebranding marks a […]

City Destinations Alliance partners with Mabrian to provide cutting-edge travel intelligence to European urban DMOs

City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), the European knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban regions has today confirmed the signature of a partnership with Mabrian, the leading […]

City Destinations Alliance “Reality Check!” International Conference: Exploring Authenticity and Innovation in Urban Tourism

From April 24-27, 2024, the City Destinations Alliance International Conference & General Assembly “Reality Check! On facts and fiction in urban tourism” will unite more than […]

City Fair

City Fair is the event for European cities, destinations and suppliers to showcase all of their tourism products to the international travel trade in a productive business environment. […]

City Fair

What is City Fair? City Fair is a one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated to the lucrative and growing sector of city tourism organised by ETOA and ECM. It combines ETOA’s long track record […]

City Fair 2012: 25th June 2012, London

ETOA and ECM are pleased to announce that it will soon be possible to register for City Fair 2012

City Fair 2013

A one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated to the lucrative and growing sector of city tourism

City Fair Welcomes Europe to London

With less than four weeks to go until the first ever City Fair, over 80 destinations from 23 different European countries and 130 buyers are attending […]

ETOA & ECM launch City Fair The European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and European Cities Marketing (ECM) are joining forces with the launch of City Fair on 20th June 2011 in London.   Over 100 participants have already registered for this new workshop. Putting tour operators and cities face to face, this event follows the tried and trusted formula in which cities take tables and meet operators in pre-arranged appointments.

City Fair: business opportunities with a real destination focus

The first City Fair was held on 20th June 2011. The workshop is a one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated to the lucrative and growing sector of city tourism organised by ETOA and ECM. Following the success of this inaugural City Fair, ETOA and ECM have decided to continue the activity in 2012.The 2012 City Fair will be held in again in London on 25th June 2012 and it is already possible to register (registrations on www.cityfair.travel)

City Marketing

Goals: ECM created a City Marketing Knowledge Group, providing a platform for City Marketing destinations to exchange knowledge, best practice and widen their network to perform even […]

City Marketing: Finessing Art and Science

The city of Uppsala, Sweden, was last week host to ECM’s (European Cities Marketing) Autumn meeting.

City Tourism Benchmark Tool

Launched in 2012, the European Cities Online Benchmarking Tool is designed to benchmark European cities based on their arrivals, bednights, capacity, and occupancy rates. The data […]

European Cities Marketing Website Benchmarking Modern day tourism organisations use standardised tools such as Google Analytics to collect and report website statistics. Yet are the standardised KPIs provided by these tools really able to add value? Where do they come from, how are they collected and why are they important?

City Tourism in Europe – January-August 2012

City Tourism in Europe (January-August 2012). More data on www.tourmis.info

City Tourism in Europe - January-December 2012 City Tourism in Europe (January-December 2012).  More data on www.tourmis.info

City Tourism in Europe – January-December 2012

City Tourism in Europe (January-December 2012). More data on www.tourmis.info

City tourism in Europe recovers faster than expected

An analysis of a representative sample of European cities conducted by the association shows that the European city tour

ECM Abreast of the Latest Tourism Developments Every year, ECM* publishes the “European Cities’ Visitors Report” – a unique report in tourism research with complex statistics, graphs and analyses. Since the economic crisis is having a major impact on recent tourism development, a “Special Impact Crisis Review” of “ECM European Cities’ Visitors Report” has been published to answer questions about the latest trends in city tourism development. This tool enables professionals to react to current developments and to define counter-strategies.

City tourism in Europe recovers faster than expected

An analysis of a representative sample of European cities conducted by the association shows that the European city tourism market has experienced a surprisingly fast recovery in visitor flows beginning in the second half of 2009.

City Travel Report by CityDNA

The City Travel Report by CityDNA (formerly known as the Benchmarking Report) provides a vital perspective on the volume of urban tourism in Europe, enabling individual […]

CityDNA & ForwardKeys reveal a positive outlook for European destinations this Q4

According to the latest CityDNA Barometer Report, which is based on the most recent air ticketing data by ForwardKeys, the European travel and tourism sector is […]

CityDNA 2023 Action Plan & Tools

Here is what we have in store for our members this year!

CityDNA 2024 Action Plan & Tools

Here is what we have in store for our members this year!

CityDNA 2025 Action Plan & Tools

Here is what we have in store for our members this year!

CityDNA Advisory Council: seeking the opinions of the new generation to our industry!

The CityDNA Advisory Council will ensure that City Destinations Alliance has longevity through remaining relevant to its members. Its goal is to actively seek the opinions […]

CityDNA and the GDS-Movement join forces to launch the GDS-Forum, followed by the CityDNA Autumn Conference 2023 in Valencia, Spain

From 3rd to 7th October, destination professionals can enjoy an extraordinary event week, as City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), and Visit […]

CityDNA European City Tourism Monitor

Published 3 times/year, this research exercise gives a more or less immediate ‘barometer’ type reading of the health or otherwise of city tourism. Through a survey […]

CityDNA Membership Benefits

Exchange information on valuable platforms and forums Benchmark amongst members Develop new ideas and products Anticipate future needs Provide essential research Determine barriers to future growth […]

CityDNA Report of Activities 2023

2023 has been the year of compiling and launching our strategy “Wegeneration”, with profound implications for how cities should manage tectonic shifts in our societies and […]

CityDNA Summer School 2023: a Comprehensive Programme for Newcomers in the Meetings Industry

The 37th edition of the CityDNA Summer School will be held in Gdansk from August 26-30, 2023. This four-day event is specifically designed for newcomers in […]

CityDNA Summer School enlarges its scope towards destination regeneration and diversity

In challenging times, it is fundamental to keep our values high and stay one step ahead. City Destinations Alliance is proud to contribute to the resilience […]

CityDNA Summer School: 37 years of Empowering Future Leaders in the Meetings Industry

The CityDNA Summer School, the flagship event in the Meetings Industry celebrated its 37th edition in Gdansk, marking another milestone in empowering the leaders of tomorrow. […]

CityDNA to support the Meetings Industry and destination strategy with sustainability and regeneration at its heart

Turin hosted the 36th edition of the CityDNA Summer School on August 27-31, 2022, the first in-person edition since the pandemic. This year’s edition graduated 43 […]

CityDNA-ForwardKeys Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer

ForwardKeys provides CityDNA member cities with quarterly reports providing KPI on Europe as a destination with a focus on Top European City destinations: past arrival trends […]

CityDNA-Lighthouse Short-Term Rentals Report

Since May 2019, Lighthouse (formerly Transparent) provides CityDNA member cities with quarterly reports on short-term rentals' data (supply, reviews and demand data) on their city destinations. […]

CityDNA-MMGY TCI Research Travelsat Dashboard

MMGY TCI Research provides CityDNA member cities with an online Travelsat Dashboard dedicated and tailored-made, with insights on cities’ e-reputation, visitor sentiment and residents’ sentiment!   […]
Citytourismbenchmark.com: a new world of benchmark possibilities for city tourism destinations Launched last March in Saint-Petersburg during the ECM Spring meeting, citytourismbenchmark.com is a new on-line tool enabling city tourism destinations to benchmark their performances.

Citytourismbenchmark.com: a new world of benchmark possibilities for city tourism destinations

Launched last March in Saint-Petersburg during the ECM Spring meeting, citytourismbenchmark.com is a new on-line tool enabling city tourism destinations to benchmark their performances.

Claes Bjerkne: A “Team Player” Leader For 10 years Claes Bjerkne was on the board of the Swedish Tourist Board and besides regional and national tourism development projects in Sweden, he also invested a lot of effort in the international network.  He joined the ECT Board in 1999 and between 2002 and 2006 spent 4 years as President of the association, staying on afterwards as a board member.

Claes Bjerkne: A “Team Player” Leader

For 10 years Claes Bjerkne was on the board of the Swedish Tourist Board and besides regional and national tourism development projects in Sweden, he also invested a lot of effort in the international network. He joined the ECT Board in 1999 and between 2002 and 2006 spent 4 years as President of the association, staying on afterwards as a board member.

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #1 – Meet Katarina Thorstensson!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW SUSTAINABLY! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #2 – Meet Gianluca Camaggio!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #3 – Meet Bettina Reventlow-Mourier!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #4 – Meet Magnus Hessbo!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #5 – Meet Pier Paolo Mariotti!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #6 – Meet Claire Mertens!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

COMMUNITY HEROES SERIES #7 – Meet Pablo Ortega Novillo!

MEET, SHARE AND GROW TOGETHER! The secret of any strong community?… people! Our ECM community is powered by members and partners working to not only stand […]

Conference & Meetings World Magazine

Conference & Meetings World Magazine provides the latest insights and trends in the global meetings and events industry. It covers key developments, expert opinions, and success […]

Constant change is the only constant in urban travel

At the European Cities Marketing International Conference in Dubrovnik, May 31-June 3, 2017, Europe’s city marketers and tourism professionals will meet industry thought leaders and leading […]

Forecasting annual European travel market from early data provided by ECM members Research shows that annual European tourist bednights can be accurately predicted by using monthly data. A recent study performed by ECM’s academic advisers, Prof. Karl Wöber and Dr. Irem Arsal (MODUL University Vienna),  shows that monthly data is a good indicator for forecasting annual tourist bednights.  In addition, annual forecasts are more accurate for the near rather than the distant future.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Tourism

The volume of world-wide travel has been rising substantially since the mid-eighties. Despite the many positive socio-economic effects of tourism, the rapid development of tourism also entails a large number of negative environmental and social impacts.

Creating better places to live, meet & thrive in

The Global Destination Sustainability Index’s Whitepaper highlights trends and strategies undertaken by 47 leading cities to become regenerative hubs for economic, social and environmental development. At […]

Creating the city – European Cities demonstrate the crucial importance of events and infrastructure projects in shaping the image of a city

Cities are increasingly using events to improve their image, stimulate urban development, attract visitors and investment. During last European Cities Marketing (ECM) Annual Meeting in Turin […]

Creating the city – European Cities demonstrate the crucial importance of events and infrastructure projects in shaping the image of a city

Cities are increasingly using events to improve their image, stimulate urban development, attract visitors and investment. During last European Cities Marketing (ECM) Annual Meeting in Turin […]

Data Informed Marketing Strategies for Recovery

Data Informed Marketing Strategies for Recovery

#ANEWTOMORROW BLOG by Cara Frank, Chief of Staff / VP of Marketing, Simpleview Through close monitoring of customer sentiment, destinations can plan and target their marketing […]

Dear European colleagues and friends, We are approaching a new year at high speed. Now is therefore a good time to take a look in the rear-view mirror and give an overview of the year that will come to an end in a few days’ time. However, it is of course also time to take a look through the windshield and see what 2011 has to offer, both with regards to tourism in Europe as well as what the Research & Statistics Knowledge Group will focus on in its work.

Dear European colleagues and friends,

We are approaching a new year at high speed. Now is therefore a good time to take a look in the rear-view mirror and give an overview of the year that will come to an end in a few days’ time. However, it is of course also time to take a look through the windshield and see what 2011 has to offer, both with regards to tourism in Europe as well as what the Research & Statistics Knowledge Group will focus on in its work.

Dear friends and colleagues

You are now reading the first newsletter totally dedicated to research, statistics and benchmark information on cities. The R&S working Group aims to provide you, our ECM members, with practical tools and reports on research and benchmark items, which will help you in your own work.

Dear friends and colleagues “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it”. Had we had as much literary genius as Margaret Fuller, we would have written this line ourselves and made it the motto of the R&S Working Group. But we are more into figures, so we created the ECM Crisis Monitor.

Dear friends and colleagues

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it”. Had we had as much literary genius as Margaret Fuller, we would have written this line ourselves and made it the motto of the R&S Working Group. But we are more into figures, so we created the ECM Crisis Monitor.

Dear friends and colleagues “The ability to think differently today from yesterday, distinguishes the wise from the stubborn” John Steinbeck (1902-1968). How right he was. Learning from each other, sharing expertise and thinking differently is ...

Dear friends and colleagues

“The ability to think differently today from yesterday, distinguishes the wise from the stubborn” John Steinbeck (1902-1968). How right he was. Learning from each other, sharing expertise and thinking differently is …

Dear friends and colleagues, Sharing our experiences and increasing our knowledge of developments in city tourism are especially important in times of crisis or unstable economic conditions. Once again, several projects and surveys that have been carried out by the Research & Statistics Working Group support this idea. This newsletter gives an overview of our latest research interests.

Dear friends and colleagues,

Sharing our experiences and increasing our knowledge of developments in city tourism are especially important in times of crisis or unstable economic conditions. Once again, several projects and surveys that have been carried out by the Research & Statistics Working Group support this idea. This newsletter gives an overview of our latest research interests.

DEPLOYTOUR: Five real-world use cases to deploy a Common European Tourism Data Space

The DEPLOYTOUR consortium, a collaborative effort of 43 partners from 13 European countries, officially kicked off its ambitious project to revolutionise the tourism industry. The launch […]

Despite an uncertain economy, European City Tourism Continues its Upward Trend!

ECM releases figures prepared by MODUL Research highlighting last year’s performance of Europe’s city tourism sector.

Despite widespread growth, Europe’s hotel industry still contrasted during first semester 2016

The latest ECM-MKG European Destinations Observatory report* points out that for the first semester of 2016, European hotels keep up the positive trend with a 0.2 […]

Destinatie Nederland

Destination Netherlands is the network and branch organisation of destination and city marketing organisations in the Netherlands. They form the national knowledge network of, for and […]

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and European Cities Marketing (ECM) announce partnership – American & European Destination Organizations & CVBs join forces

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and European Cities Marketing (ECM) recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding that will promote and deliver key research and educational resources […]

DestinationNEXT

DestinationNEXT, a roadmap for the future of destination marketing organisations! DestinationNEXT is the first step of the partnership between ECM and Destinations International, bringing the industry, […]

Sara Pastor, Managing Director of Destinations, Adara

Destinations, QUO VADIS?

#ANEWTOMORROW BLOG By Sara Pastor, Managing Director of Destinations, Adara Before Corona, destinations were struggling to shift their roles from promotion to management to ensure better, […]

Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, new ECM president

The ECM Annual Conference took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 17th to 20th June 2009 and was attended by 175 delegate

Dieter Hardt-Stremayr: Keep on running An enthusiastic man with a wealth of experience in tourism and a huge supply of new ideas, Dieter Hardt-Stremayr took over the ECM presidency at the Annual Conference in Gothenburg. His motivation and integrity might seem unbelievable yet won’t be surprising for the people who have been lucky enough to get to know him personally. During his inaugural speech in Gothenburg, no doubt, everybody understood that if they want to keep up with this man, they’re going to have to put on their running shoes.

Dieter Hardt-Stremayr: Keep on running

An enthusiastic man with a wealth of experience in tourism and a huge supply of new ideas, Dieter Hardt-Stremayr took over the ECM presidency at the Annual Conference in Gothenburg. His motivation and integrity might seem unbelievable yet won’t be surprising for the people who have been lucky enough to get to know him personally. During his inaugural speech in Gothenburg, no doubt, everybody understood that if they want to keep up with this man, they’re going to have to put on their running shoes.

Digital Transformation and #DTIC2015

The Digital Tourism Think Tank’s Ramona Wagner shares some insights into the Digital Tourism Innovation Campus in Barcelona on 19th & 20th November. For this year’s […]

Direct link on TourMIS makes gaining strategic advantage easy Accessing citytourismbenchmark.com is now even easier through the new direct link to the website on TourMIS.

Direct link on TourMIS makes gaining strategic advantage easy

Accessing citytourismbenchmark.com is now even easier through the new direct link to the website on TourMIS.

DMO Funding Survey

City Destinations Alliance produces a yearly member survey on funding of city tourist offices and convention bureaux. This survey is undertaken on a yearly basis since […]

DMOs and the Sharing Economy

Today the sharing economy in tourism has come to represent a lively marketplace for goods and services exchanged between local people who own useful assets and travellers […]

DMOs setting up new challenges at European Cities Marketing’s meeting to tackle their future

Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) are facing new challenges. During the last European Cities Marketing’s meeting in Gdansk, attendees were asked to determine and overcome 32 challenges […]

DMOs Should Stand Up For Ethical Data and AI

IN CONVERSATION WITH PERNILLE TRANBERG, DATA ETHICS, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT CITYDNA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN BOLOGNA: ‘REALITY CHECK! ON FACT AND FICTION IN URBAN TOURISM’ Written in […]
Don’t Cancel Don’t Postpone

Don’t Cancel, Don’t Postpone: Sustainability needs to be the basis of rebuilding tourism now

LONG THINKER PANEL By Jeremy Smith, writer and consultant, and co-founder of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency   One of the pandemic’s recurring social media memes […]

Download the ECM Meeting Statistics Report 2013… and collect your data for the 2014 edition!

Since 2011, the annual ECM Meeting Statistics Report has provided a unique overview of the level of activity in the meeting industry in European cities. One […]

Drazen Hochecker… A Man of Travel, Tourism and New Ideas Born on 29th January 1944 he began a degree in Economics in 1963. One year later he left his studies to travel the world, and didn’t return to Zagreb until 1970. For most of those 6 years, he worked as a tour guide in England, Germany, Belgium and Greece and on his return, chose to build his professional career in tourism.

Drazen Hochecker… A Man of Travel, Tourism and New Ideas

Born on 29th January 1944 he began a degree in Economics in 1963. One year later he left his studies to travel the world, and didn’t return to Zagreb until 1970. For most of those 6 years, he worked as a tour guide in England, Germany, Belgium and Greece and on his return, chose to build his professional career in tourism.

Driving Inclusive Tourism: Destinations International and City Destinations Alliance Unveil Global Accessibility Report

Joint research assesses current state of inclusion in the travel industry, identifies ways to make travel more accessible to all City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), the alliance […]

DRIVING POSITIVE IMPACT: City Destinations Alliance Autumn Conference 2023 will stack the Building Blocks of Destination Positive

From October 3-7, 2023, the GDS-Forum and City Destinations Alliance Autumn Conference will unite forward-thinkers and visionaries in pursuit of sustainable urban tourism and experiencing with […]
Dublin. How does it feel? One hundred and fourteen delegates came to Dublin from 4th to 6th March 2009 to attend the ECM Spring Meeting. The participants had another great opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with their colleagues and other European experts in tourism and conventions, this time in the extraordinary setting of one of Dublin’s villages - Malahide.  Frank Magee, ECM president and host of this year’s Spring Meeting tells us how it feels...

Dublin. How does it feel?

One hundred and fourteen delegates came to Dublin from 4th to 6th March 2009 to attend the ECM Spring Meeting. The participants had another great opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with their colleagues and other European experts in tourism and conventions, this time in the extraordinary setting of one of Dublin’s villages – Malahide. Frank Magee, ECM president and host of this year’s Spring Meeting tells us how it feels…

East meets West as Garry White signs up as the new CEO of European Cities Marketing

European Cities Marketing (ECM) announces that Garry White has been appointed as its new CEO. He will take up office in

ECM – European Cities Visitors REPORT 2008/09

European Cities’ Tourism growing rapidly

ECM 2010: Striding Forward

The European Meeting of Chief Executives of Capital Cities

ECM 2022 Action Plan & Tools

Here is what we have in store for our members this year!  

ECM Abreast of the Latest Tourism Developments Every year, ECM* publishes the “European Cities’ Visitors Report” – a unique report in tourism research with complex statistics, graphs and analyses. Since the economic crisis is having a major impact on recent tourism development, a “Special Impact Crisis Review” of “ECM European Cities’ Visitors Report” has been published to answer questions about the latest trends in city tourism development. This tool enables professionals to react to current developments and to define counter-strategies.

ECM Abreast of the Latest Tourism Developments

Every year, ECM* publishes the “European Cities’ Visitors Report” – a unique report in tourism research with complex statistics, graphs and analyses. Since the economic crisis is having a major impact on recent tourism development, a “Special Impact Crisis Review” of “ECM European Cities’ Visitors Report” has been published to answer questions about the latest trends in city tourism development. This tool enables professionals to react to current developments and to define counter-strategies.

ECM and DMAI to work hand in hand on education programs

For the first time, the two international associations of DMOs set up a collaboration agreement to work together on education. European Cities Marketing (ECM), the network […]

ECM and ICCA form European Partnership

ECM and ICCA form European Partnership

ECM (European Cities Marketing) and ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) have agreed to launch a European partnership to solidify collaboration and provide better aligned benefits […]

ECM and TCI Research team up to map cultural e-reputation trends and reveal cultural champion Cities in Europe!

European Cities Marketing in collaboration with TCI Research released the first City Sentiment Index report for its members. Using a social listening analytic protocol specially designed […]

ECM and TCI Research team up to map e-reputation trends for meetings and events and reveal MICE champion Cities in Europe!

European Cities Marketing in collaboration with TCI Research released the first City Sentiment Index report for its members. Using a social listening analytic protocol specially designed […]

ECM announces a stronger partnership with IMEX and hands over 20 Declarations of Support for the Meetings Industry

IMEX and ECM sealed their close cooperation with the signing of a new partnership agreement last month. ECM also reaffirmed its support for the Meetings Industry […]

ECM Annual Conference and General Assembly

City Hospitality for tomorrow’s visitors

ECM Annual conference in Zagreb: European Cities are up and looking east

 European Cities Marketing, the network of leading Tourist Offices and Conventions Bureaux in Europe are building BRIC into their forward strategy considering the opportunity they present […]

ECM Benchmarking Report

What is the main purpose of ECM Benchmarking Report and for whom it may be useful? The European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report measures how city tourism […]

ECM Benchmarking Report

A strong positive trend in percentage growth rate for ECM report cities has emerged again this year, achieving a rate of 5.7% in total bednights and […]

ECM Benchmarking Report - a perfect tool for evaluating a destination marketing strategy In June 2011 ECM published the seventh edition of its European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report. Katrin Heintschel talks here about the benefits of using the results from the report, explaining how data are collected and discussing the current tourism situation in European city destinations.

ECM Benchmarking Report – a perfect tool for evaluating a destination marketing strategy

In June 2011 ECM published the seventh edition of its European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report. Katrin Heintschel talks here about the benefits of using the results from the report, explaining how data are collected and discussing the current tourism situation in European city destinations.

ECM Benchmarking Report – Editorial Board

Goals The Editorial Board is in charge of the content of the ‘ECM Benchmarking Report’ as well as further development/improvement of the report and securing its data […]

ECM Benchmarking Report 2011 to be launched at ECM Annual Conference in Lyon European Cities Marketing will launch the 7th edition of the European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report during its Annual Conference in Lyon in June 2011.

ECM Benchmarking Report 2011 to be launched at ECM Annual Conference in Lyon

European Cities Marketing will launch the 7th edition of the European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report during its Annual Conference in Lyon in June 2011.

ECM Benchmarking Report 2013-2014

What is the main purpose of the ECM Benchmarking Report and who will find it useful?  The European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report measures how city tourism […]

ECM Benchmarking Report 2015 confirms the emergence of a strong positive city tourism trend

A strong positive trend in percentage growth rate for ECM report cities has emerged again this year, achieving a rate of 5.7% in total bednights and […]

ECM breaks bread with journalists On 2nd December, the very first day of EIBTM in Barcelona, ECM invited ten journalists to join some of the ECM members for lunch.

ECM breaks bread with journalists

On 2nd December, the very first day of EIBTM in Barcelona, ECM invited ten journalists to join some of the ECM members for lunch.

ECM develops its international network within the Meetings Industry

European Cities Marketing appoints Johanna Fischer as ambassador for the ECM Academy, the newly established course dedicated to strengthening the education standards of Meetings Industry professionals […]

ECM develops its international network within the Meetings Industry

European Cities Marketing appoints Johanna Fischer as ambassador for the ECM Academy, the newly established course dedicated to strengthening the education standards of Meetings Industry professionals […]

ECM following members’ needs

An extraordinary Board meeting took place on 23rd and 24th October at Stansted. The meeting’s special agenda was dedicated to the financial crisis and its impact on tourism in European cities. The participants discussed the position of tourist offices and convention bureaus in the changing economic situation and the ways in which European Cities Marketing can help its members.

ECM Future Leaders Scholarship Award 2015, “and the winner is…”

For the second year in a row, European Cities Marketing, in association with MODUL University Vienna, organized for its members a friendly competition based on best […]

ECM India Meetings Industry Workshop

This unique workshop, dedicated to the members of ECM Meetings Industry Forum, will take place in India and will be arranged through a reliable and proven supplier […]

R&S Action plan 2009 The members of the Research & Statistics Experts Group have shown commitment and enthusiasm in preparing a busy schedule for the coming months. Here is a brief overview.

ECM is now collecting meetings statistics!

In trying to measure the volume of meetings in city destinations across Europe and the world, there are several approaches with different methodologies. It’s commonly agreed amongst ECM members that the most commonly utilised data bases and rankings – ICCA and UIA – are of limited value for cities because the definitions and criteria adopted exclude important market segments, corporate meetings being the most obvious.

ECM Keeps In Line With the Latest Tourism Developments

Every year, ECM* publishes the “European Cities’ Visitors Report” – a unique report in tourism research with complex

Cover Summer School Digital 2020 ECM

ECM launched first edition of ECM Summer School 2.0 for advanced professionals in the Meetings Industry

ECM launched this month the first edition of the ECM Summer School 2.0, which will take place online on August 24-26, 2020. Attendees will take a […]

ECM launches 1st Edition of TIC Expert Meeting: exchanging know-how to enhance Tourist Information Centres

More than 70 TIC managers and staff from 37 leading European Cities met on October 16-17 in Luxembourg for the first TIC Expert Meeting to develop […]

ECM launches 1st Edition of TIC Expert Meeting: exchanging know-how to enhance Tourist Information Centres

More than 70 TIC managers and staff from 37 leading European Cities met on October 16-17 in Luxembourg for the first TIC Expert Meeting to develop […]

ECM launches its Academy – accelerator of Meetings Industry worldwide

Following 28 successful years of ECM Summer School, European Cities Marketing is exporting the unbeaten concept to emerging destinations in non-European continents/regions like Asia, Africa, South […]

Mentor Programme young MeetingsIndustry professionals

ECM launches new Mentor Programme for newly-appointed Meetings Industry professionals

European Cities Marketing (ECM) has launched its first ever ECM Mentor Programme, during the ECM Summer School 2.0 this week. The industry supported initiative has been […]

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2012: ready, steady, go! Given the very warm welcome received by the first edition of the ECM Meetings Statistics Report, the Research & Statistics Group is delighted to announce that the project will be continued in 2012.

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2012: initial results in sight

May and June are traditionally crucial months for the meetings industry: not only because they correspond to a high season with numerous corporate and non-corporate events taking place, but also because the results of some key reports taking the pulse of the sector are communicated during this period.

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2012: ready, steady, go! Given the very warm welcome received by the first edition of the ECM Meetings Statistics Report, the Research & Statistics Group is delighted to announce that the project will be continued in 2012.

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2012: ready, steady, go!

Given the very warm welcome received by the first edition of the ECM Meetings Statistics Report, the Research & Statistics Group is delighted to announce that the project will be continued in 2012.

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2013: ready, steady, go! After the success of the previous years of the ECM Meetings Statistics Report, ECM is working on the 2013 report so as to continue to provide cities with a unique overview of the meeting industry and a reliable European benchmark.

ECM Meetings Statistics Report 2013: ready, steady, go!

After the success of the previous years of the ECM Meetings Statistics Report, ECM is working on the 2013 report so as to continue to provide cities with a unique overview of the meeting industry and a reliable European benchmark.

ECM Members Come Together to Overtake the Coronavirus Crisis

ECM Members Come Together to Overtake the Coronavirus Crisis

ECM Members come together to overtake the Crisis. The outbreak of Covid-19 strongly encourages our industry to deal with new challenges and emergencies worldwide. In this […]

ECM Mentor Programme Hackathon

A friendly competition for Meetings Industry rookie professionals In the frame of the ECM Mentor Programme, ECM offered the Mentees the opportunity to take part in […]

ECM Pre-Conference / After the Pandemic: The Whats and Whatnots

The Pre-Conference gathered experts of data, trends, marketing and decision-making that helped answer many questions for what’s next. The fast-paced exploration started with the completely fresh […]

ECM presents the results of Tourism in Europe through its Benchmarking report 2014

In 2013 European Cities achieved an average relative growth in total bednights of 3.5%. In the last five years, the average yearly international bednight growth rate […]

ECM presents the results of Tourism in Europe through its Benchmarking Report 2014

In 2013 European Cities achieved an average relative growth in total bednights of 3.5%. In the last five years, the average yearly international bednight growth rate […]

ECM President’s message

Dear ECM members, We feel heartbroken witnessing such conflicts between cities and countries we have been working with for years, building on knowledge and cooperation. We […]

ECM President’s message

[PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ] During the last 9 days, we have been sadly witnessing a shocking war involving cities and countries who we have been working with […]

ECM provides greater insight into destination development and marketing through a partnership with Toposophy

ECM, the European network of city tourist offices and convention bureaux, has just signed a partnership contract with Toposophy, aiming to become the leading destination management […]

ECM Research Newsletter

Dear European colleagues and friends, This year the European Cities Benchmark Report is being published for the 11th time. The success of this, now standard, publication […]

ECM Research Newsletter – Editorial

Dear colleagues, Most countries and cities use statistics on bed nights and room nights to measure and benchmark tourism performance on a national and city level. […]

ECM Shopping Barometer

The members of European Cities Marketing (ECM) Research & Statistics Group initiated a project aimed at benchmarking city tourism destinations in Europe based upon price level. […]

ECM shows its new force in IMEX European Cities Marketing, full of new energy, was present in IMEX, Frankfurt, from 22nd to 24th April 2008. ECM was also one of the organizers of the Politicians Forum.

ECM shows its new force in IMEX

European Cities Marketing, full of new energy, was present in IMEX, Frankfurt, from 22nd to 24th April 2008. ECM was also one of the organizers of the Politicians Forum.

ECM Spring 2011: Convention Workshops European Cities Marketing continues provide ECM convention members with major opportunities to cement their existing business networks and to meet potential new clients. Two workshops for the ECM Convention Forum members will be held in Spring 2011: Mercado and Meet Europe.

ECM Spring 2011: Convention Workshops

European Cities Marketing continues provide ECM convention members with major opportunities to cement their existing business networks and to meet potential new clients. Two workshops for the ECM Convention Forum members will be held in Spring 2011: Mercado and Meet Europe.

ECM Summer School #LondonIsOpen: An educational programme created to build connections between Meetings Industry professionals and the hosting city

The best-rated destination in the world*, London, hosted the 33rd edition of the ECM Summer School on August 24-28, 2019, providing evidence of the importance of […]

ECM Summer School 2018, the bridge to a successful career in the Meetings Industry, graduated 62 students from 3 continents in Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki, hosted the 32nd edition of the ECM Summer School on August 25-29, 2018, providing evidence of the importance of […]

ECM Summer School goes green!

The 23rd ECM Summer School will be hosted by the city of Bolzano/Bozen in Italy from 29th August to 2nd September 2009.

ECM Summer School goes green! The 23rd ECM Summer School will be hosted by the city of Bolzano/Bozen in Italy from 29th August to 2nd September 2009.

ECM Summer School goes green!

The 23rd ECM Summer School will be hosted by the city of Bolzano/Bozen in Italy from 29th August to 2nd September 2009.

ECM Summer School now qualifies for Certified Meetings Professional credits…

 European Cities Marketing (ECM ) annual Summer School for the meetings industry ended this year on a particularly high note – the course is now so […]

ECM Summer School provides career platform

For 28 years, the ECM Summer School has provided newcomers to all sectors of the Meetings Industry with in-depth knowledge and contacts. The 2015 event in […]

ECM Summer School set to be ‘superba’ in 2014

This year will see the ECM Summer School take place in Genoa or ‘la Superba’. The 28th Summer School runs from 23-27 August and will provide […]

ECM Summer School still at the top This year the ECM Summer School was hosted by the city of Opatija, Croatia, from 30th August to 3rd September 2008.   Sixty-seven students from twenty-one European countries attended the ECM Summer School, this time organised in the agreeable surroundings of Croatian seaside city, Opatija. The intensive three-day programme allowed the students to acquire in a compact format the essential knowledge and skills needed in the Meetings Industry.

ECM Summer School still at the top

This year the ECM Summer School was hosted by the city of Opatija, Croatia, from 30th August to 3rd September 2008. Sixty-seven students from twenty-one European countries attended the ECM Summer School, this time organised in the agreeable surroundings of Croatian seaside city, Opatija. The intensive three-day programme allowed the students to acquire in a compact format the essential knowledge and skills needed in the Meetings Industry.

ECM Summer School – diversity, expertise and highest standard in Istanbul, August 2013

Istanbul, the City that bridges East and West has always thrived on ideas and new knowledge to host the 27th edition of ECM Summer School on […]

ECM Summer School – diversity, expertise, sustainability and highest standards in education – Vienna, August 2015

Vienna, one of the most successful meetings destinations in Europe, hosted the 29th edition of the ECM Summer School on August 22-26, 2015, providing evidence of […]

ECM Summer School – diversity, expertise, sustainability and highest standards in education – Vienna, August 2015

Vienna, one of the most successful meetings destinations in Europe, hosted the 29th edition of the ECM Summer School on August 22-26, 2015, providing evidence of […]

ECM Summer School – ideas, knowledge and inspiration in Istanbul August 2013

Istanbul provides the perfect setting for the 27th edition of ECM Summer School (24-28 August).

ECM Summer School – the pearl of the meetings industry!

The 26th Summer School will provide students with the knowledge to progress a rewarding careeer in the meetings industry