The Human Pulse of Place and Purpose – Beyond the Numbers: Exploring the Strategic Forces Shaping Cities
City Leaders to Gather in Helsinki to Rethink the Future of Urban Tourism
From April 22-24, 2026, more than 200 destination leaders will gather in Helsinki for the City Destinations Alliance International Conference & General Assembly, at a pivotal moment for urban tourism.
Bringing together speakers and moderators with a high level of global expertise, the conference will be one of the most knowledge-rich editions to date. With CityDNA’s knowledge groups and member cities actively shaping the programme, it reflects a truly “by members, for members” approach – designed for practical exchange, peer learning, and real-world impact. Anyone shaping the future of city destinations will be in Helsinki.
As cities navigate rapid shifts in travel, technology, and societal expectations, Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and Convention Bureaux (CVBs) are evolving beyond promotion toward long-term value creation, trust-building, and community well-being.
Under the theme “The Human Pulse of Place and Purpose”, the conference will explore how the visitor economy can better support quality of life and societal value.
Finland – ranked the happiest country in the world for the 9th year in a row – and Helsinki as its capital provides a powerful backdrop.
“We are delighted to host the conference and to welcome delegates to experience Helsinki’s happiness and sustainability, which are reflected in international rankings but also in everyday life – finding contentment in small moments and in a life that feels balanced,” said Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director of City of Helsinki.
Keynote speakers including David Meade and Professor Greg Clark will bring global perspectives on how travel shapes identity and belonging, and how cities can balance growth with trust and long-term legitimacy.
The programme will move firmly from insight to action, addressing shifting traveller behaviour, digital transformation, community engagement, seasonality, and new ways to measure success beyond traditional tourism metrics. Real-world examples — including the VivaCITY initiative powered by Simpleview and involving Helsinki and Torino — will showcase how destinations can align stakeholders and deliver tangible impact.
The event will also spotlight strengthened collaboration across the ecosystem, with partners including Airbnb, Rome2Rio, GetYourGuide, MMGY, and Miles Partnership.
“City destinations are navigating profound transitions across society, technology, and governance,” said Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of City Destinations Alliance. “This is a moment to rethink how cities deliver not only economic growth, but also social and cultural value. From AI to inclusion, from destination marketing to the social contract of cities, the key questions shaping our sector are clear, and in Helsinki, we’ve got them covered. It is about reconnecting purpose with practice.”
For more details on the programme, speakers and registration, visit the event page: CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly
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About City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA)
We are a knowledge sharing network for cities and urban regions collaborating to maximise the potential of the visitor economy. Our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish as great places to live, work, meet and explore. As a community of professionals, our promise to each other is to always be curious and forward thinking, share our inspiration and continued learnings.
For more information and pictures, please contact:
Bénédicte Lack, press@citydna.eu, +33 380 56 02 03
citydestinationsalliance.eu
About the CityDNA International Conference Speakers
Participants will get the chance to hear from members and destinations (amsterdam&partners, Austria Tourism, Bologna Welcome, Catalan Tourist Board, City of Helsinki, Fáilte Ireland, Gdańsk Convention Bureau, Glasgow Convention Bureau, Göteborg & Co, Graz Convention Bureau, Hamburg Tourismus, Helsinki Partners, Linz Tourismus, London & Partners, Suomenlinnan hoitokunta, Turismo Torino e Provincia, Visit Oulu, VisitRimini, Visit Tampere, Wonderful Copenhagen…) as well as CityDNA partners and collaborators (Airbnb, CMW (Mash Media), ETC, GetYourGuide, Miles Partnership, MMGY Travel Intelligence, Modul University Vienna, Place Generation, Rome2Rio, Simpleview Granicus, Snapsight, Sojern, SoolNua, The Data Appeal Company, The DNA of Cities, TOPOSOPHY…) and other companies and universities (DM Events, Edinburgh Futures Institute, German Institute for Tourism Research, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, IEG Expo, IMEX Group, Maritz Global, SCOTO, SoolNua, Strawberry Hospitality Group, TravelDesk…).
