City Destinations Alliance
The alliance of Tourist Boards, Convention Bureaux and Destination Management Organisations in Europe
We are the European knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban regions. While working on the DNA of our cities, we are committed to a sustainable, inclusive and responsible visitor economy that benefits people, planet and prosperity.
We are much more than a network. We want to publicly advocate for our common goals while still learning from each other.
Our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish as great places to live, work, meet and explore. As a community of DMO professionals, our promise to each other is to always be curious and forward-thinking, share our inspiration and never stop learning.
Highlights
The reference for Leisure, Meetings Industry and City Marketing in Europe.
Call for Tender
CityDNA is seeking conference curators!
City Destinations Alliance is seeking conference curators who can develop inspiring, innovative, and forward-thinking programmes with original formats and moderate the entire conference in an engaging manner. They will have to demonstrate a solid network and experience when recruiting speakers and conceptualising international events as well as a solid knowledge of the tourism and Meetings Industry sectors.
Accessibility Survey
Accessibility is the tool, Inclusion is the Objective
We want to help destinations create a more welcoming environment for people with disabilities! City Destinations Alliance and Destinations International are collaborating on a global accessibility report to investigate the evolving accessibility landscape in destinations across Europe and North America.
Reality Check!: register now!
CityDNA International Conference, April 24-27, 2024
In a world of more and more artificial content, will #humanmade become the new quality mark? Do dispersal strategies work to alleviate visitor pressures? How inclusive is your event design really? When did you last check your green storytelling in the post-EU Green Claims Directive reality? And what do you do, when reality truly hits, and you need to reimagine everything?
Join us for a series of big and collaborative reality checks, as we meet for the City Destinations Alliance “Reality Check!” International Conference in Bologna, April 24-27, 2024!
Featured Events
#CityDNA events provide members with information, contacts and business leads they cannot afford to miss out on.
Members know best…
The CityDNA Knowledge Groups play a strategic role in helping us develop new ideas, products, insights and solutions in the areas of City Cards, Marketing & Communication, Meetings Industry, Research & Insights, Sustainability, Tourist Information Centres or Trends. They are incubators of new ideas and an important source of insights and expertise.
When it comes to looking at the future, the constantly evolving CityDNA Summer School is a unique opportunity for young professionals just entering the Meetings Industry to spend three days with some of the biggest names in our business, to understand the nature of the Meetings Industry, and acquire practical marketing skills. An unforgettable career-defining experience!
By providing data, we can benchmark the performances of our destinations with bednights and in meetings statistics, as well as the financing and spending structures of our organisations. For the 50% of our members who do not have their own research departments, City Destinations Alliance can provide a unique & essential source of information.
City Destinations Alliance knows that we, as members, have specific interests and provides us with the opportunity to have our own platforms, events and forums. CityDNA also helps us members to align our own strategic agenda with whatever demands, challenges and opportunities tomorrow will bring.
Every year, we have more and more City Cards specialists participating in the City Cards Expert Meeting and strengthening the network. Through best practices and knowledge exchange, these meetings allow CityDNA member destinations to fine-tune their City Cards product, the associated communication and sales strategy, with the goal of managing the destination in a sustainable way.
City Destinations Alliance is a member organisation. It is with us members and by the members. Through its strategy, CityDNA explores a more sustainable tomorrow together with a great purpose and appetite for experimenting in the visitor economy that contributes to a better life in the city. This knowledge is essential in my daily job!
Knowledge exchange and best practices’ sessions are core activities in City Destinations Alliance: from meetings statistics to legacy or ambassador programmes, we are always kept up to date by the best examples in Europe and from around the world.
City Destinations Alliance is the only organisation to gather all CEOs of European destinations to discuss the latest market trends and new developments in policy, strategy and operations. But more important: it gives me a network of persons with whom I share challenges and endeavours, be it sustainability challenges, citizens support or how to measure the broader pros and cons of tourism. In short: This meeting is on the very top of my list.
CityDNA Live
![[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] Can integrating multiple realities enhance the interactivity, engagement, and accessibility of visitor experiences in tourism? At the @City Destinations Alliance conference #RealityCheck, programmed by @Group NAO, @Omar van Beek from @Toerisme Veluwe Arnhem Nijmegen and @Pauline Gray-Mackay from @MuseumsintheMetaverse @University of Glasgow will explore how new technologies can add layers to our experience of cultural heritage. ‘The Experiential Layers Of Multiple Realities’ session delves into how merging ‘real’ and virtual worlds can profoundly create immersive experiences that redefine our sense of reality in cultural experiences.
Join the session during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Uabv9o](https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/wp-content/plugins/social-wall/img/placeholder.png)
[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] Can integrating multiple realities enhance the interactivity, engagement, and accessibility of visitor experiences in tourism? At the @City Destinations Alliance conference #RealityCheck, programmed by @Group NAO, @Omar van Beek from @Toerisme Veluwe Arnhem Nijmegen and ...@Pauline Gray-Mackay from @MuseumsintheMetaverse @University of Glasgow will explore how new technologies can add layers to our experience of cultural heritage. ‘The Experiential Layers Of Multiple Realities’ session delves into how merging ‘real’ and virtual worlds can profoundly create immersive experiences that redefine our sense of reality in cultural experiences.
Join the session during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Uabv9o
[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #HUMANCHECK – tick all boxes with a human…
#REALITY is up for negotiation as we explore the future of #AUTHENTICITY in the era of #ARTIFICIAL… at the City Destinations Alliance conference #RealityCheck, programmed by Group NAO. We're set to challenge the ...boundaries of what's real and what's artificial with the world’s first virtual human travel influencer Esther Olofsson and her creator Maarten Reijgersberg of RAUWcc.
Whether you view this evolution with skepticism or excitement, the age of virtual influencers brings us to a crossroads: Are we ready to, and do we want to, integrate these digital personas as a component in marketing strategies? Maarten's session delves deeper than the novel use of AI, it's a forward-thinking exploration of destination branding, examining the intersection of technology and human connection, and how these elements may redefine our digital interactions.
A session not to be missed during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Uabv9o
[CALL FOR TENDER 🌟] City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) Conference Curators Wanted! 🌟
We are on the lookout for innovative minds to curate our upcoming conferences from 2025. We host two major events annually across various European cities, aiming to inspire and lead the way in ...regenerative and future-ready city destinations.
🔹 What We Need:
Curators who can craft inspiring, innovative programs with original formats.
Experience in the tourism and meetings industry and a robust professional network.
Ability to moderate discussions and engage audiences throughout our multi-day events.
🔹 Why Join Us?
Influence the future of urban tourism in Europe and beyond.
Help increase our conference attendance by at least 10% with fresh, compelling content.
📅 Conferences are held over three days in spring and autumn each year.
Interested? Be part of shaping the future of city tourism. Apply before May 15 to contribute to our vibrant community: https://buff.ly/4cWyugq
#CityDNA #UrbanTourism #ConferenceCurators #CallForTender
![Lightbox link for post with description [REALITY CHECK! ✔️] Can integrating multiple...](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t15.5256-10/425486014_453671287165030_104848644644201526_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=8LE7bVPjmbUAb7N7V7I&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=ALdPpPkEAAAA&oh=00_AfCLalElPU3KADVLKVE_yPjMPI81sRDoYaWpSNfPdKdkJw&oe=662D5387){kind=link}
![Lightbox link for post with description [REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #HUMANCHECK – tick all...](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t15.5256-10/434744339_333449859385760_7917270836106193390_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=DnDIAQXaTdQAb4b_mzl&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=ALdPpPkEAAAA&oh=00_AfDY1UDpzGRmd7oJqa7_fwz8G5mUG3Rb4uTRFnJmpbUSuw&oe=662D4240){kind=link}
![Lightbox link for post with description [CALL FOR TENDER 🌟] City Destinations Alliance...](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438750838_841230708046774_7767903095623963112_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=4IFR4yeu5dcAb5VbYJp&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=ALdPpPkEAAAA&oh=00_AfAaO1_b_YC4JEhvy4Mp8vGDxrR5wN0RavFERALR792WgA&oe=662D35CE){kind=link}
![Lightbox link for post with description [REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #ChangePerspective and...](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438657086_839367168233128_4869882385837332043_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=KBbOQDb4JwcAb5fb9Zy&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfDm898Re48Cg7OKZxfhzELH9uI4uTyAQctUW9YhsUSAWg&oe=662D4169){kind=link}
[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #ChangePerspective and experience your city through another lens … At the City Destinations Alliance #RealityCheck conference, programmed by Group NAO, you will be in for a sense-awakening and perhaps uncomfortable #realitycheck on the different ways to perceive and ...experience your city.
Uncomfortable Oxford Marilena Netty will give a #criticalcheck on the highlights & tours of cities, and bring out the lesser-known aspects of a city’s history, bringing attention to uncomfortable truths and historical events overlooked.
Go Vilnius Sabina Mackevič-Lagutkinė will take us on another kind of tour – with an unusual way to discover the nooks and crannies of the Old Town of Vilnius, activating all senses (especially touch and hearing) on the ‘Touch and Hear Vilnius’ route.
A session not to be missed during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Learn more: https://buff.ly/3Uabv9o
![Lightbox link for post with description [PRESS RELEASE 📣] /// EU Dialogue: a ...](https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438802342_839245311578647_5282177963880193800_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=nNiS1iySUOYAb4V1MFM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfDHYkmmKrnwMRpoh9bF8mtN95GM3uSanBIRKrh3UKl53A&oe=662D5735){kind=link}
[PRESS RELEASE 📣] /// EU Dialogue: a successful event around the meetings industry ///
On April 17, visit.brussels, in partnership with JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council), CityDNA (City Destinations Alliance), and EEIA (European Exhibition Industry Alliance), hosted the EU DIALOGUE:... DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY. Organised as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, over 180 industry professionals and European policy makers from 15 countries/EU member states took part. The event featured insights from 52 expert speakers and facilitated robust discussions, aimed at driving tangible progress towards recognition by European policy makers.
Read the press release: https://buff.ly/3xB9ivO
#CityDNA #EUdialogue
![Lightbox link for post with description [EU DIALOGUE 🌐] Yesterday in #Brussels was a...](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/437783389_838695428300302_4000076473459597878_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p720x720&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=fwfc09ACNwIAb7-WEGT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfAip25KXoU5eDaca1BWno6IYGhUIQUO_BxZVr5kv-6cZA&oe=662D3ECD){kind=link}
[EU DIALOGUE 🌐] Yesterday in #Brussels was a milestone for our industry, we had a full day of conversations with the European Union on driving Positive Change in the Meetings Industry.
This was an official event as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024 and ...co-organised with visit.brussels, City Destinations Alliance, JMIC Joint Meetings Industry Council and the European Exhibition Industry Alliance.
We explored the Strategic Value of Business Events, focusing on how they facilitate networking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and significantly impact economic and cultural landscapes. We reflected current trends, market research, highlighting how these events drive sustained business growth and create lasting legacies.
CityDNA president, and CEO of Visit Ljubljana, Petra Stušek, was part of a compelling session together with Roland Bleinroth, James Rees, David Boon and Elisabeth Van Ingelgem, CMP expertly moderated by James Latham.
We discussed how to work together with the European Union, embracing the tools that are existing like the Tourism Transition Pathway.
On behalf of City Destinations Alliance, Flavie de Bueil had the priviledge to moderate a lively and productive discussion on this project with Marie-Helene Pradines, Tim Fairhurst, Marie Audren, Alessandra (Prof) Priante, EMBA, Cristina Nuñez and Patrick Bontinck.
The Meetings Industry ticks all strategic boxes in this document (sustainability, resilience, digitalization, seasonality challenges…). With the European elections appraoching, we will make recommendations to ensure that the Meetings Industry and business events sector are recognised and visible. The "visitor economy" might be one option to embrace all components and illustrate the diversity and relevance of the sector.
We have many common goals with the European Union, let's continue this dialogue to ensure Europe's competitiveness, resilience and sustainability.
#CityDNA #eventprofs #wearechangemakers #EUDialogue
![Lightbox link for post with description [REALITY CHECK! ✔️] It’s ALL about the...](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438701310_838200838349761_2314527622781854252_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=1Tz-j7eVrdwAb7aG4IW&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfA6c5hJFdBJcWbdZptCYirvVNawIQZmmq0w2UNfs1drKw&oe=662D5F31){kind=link}
[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] It’s ALL about the #CityDNA #PowerofCommunity, when we invite 4 destination executives to the stage during the upcoming #RealityCheck conference, programmed by Group NAO. 2 executives are checking out, 2 are checking in – and together, they will share their perspectives ...on #DestinationLeadership today: What keeps them up at night – and what is on the to-do list of a DMO CEO today that wasn’t there 5 years ago?
Be sure to join this session of big questions and big truths – and maybe even a few secret tips on how to get really cool s*** done, while you lead the way for others to do the same!
Don’t miss this chance to hear from I amsterdam Geerte Udo, City Destinations Alliance's president & Visit Ljubljana's CEO Petra Stušek, Visit Antwerp Claire Mertens and Luxembourg City Tourist Office - LCTO Antje Voss.
A session not to be missed during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Today is your last day to register! https://buff.ly/3Uabv9o
![Lightbox link for post with description [REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #StrategyCheck on...](https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/438657565_837394591763719_8626875692220749670_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=Ke6nigns18AAb7KdLii&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfCsx3E-lHvhWkmbDxydOALyLnnfytF_fIcSGq7iy8VTXQ&oe=662D5039){kind=link}
[REALITY CHECK! ✔️] #StrategyCheck on #DispersalStrategies: Do Dispersal Strategies actually help alleviate visitor pressure? At the City Destinations Alliance conference #RealityCheck, programmed by GROUP NAO, we will dive into a data-based and experience-based #realitycheck on dispersal ...strategies. Most destinations have introduced strategies to spread our visitors across the city or across seasons, to ensure that tourism is dispersed beyond traditional touristic hotspots. But do dispersal strategies actually work in practice?
Get a data-based fact-check on the impact of dispersal strategies from ForwardKeys Olivier Ponti and Miguel Angel Perez Visit València -Spain.
Joining the discussion of dispersal strategy experiences in what works and what doesn’t, we will also hear the experiences from both Destination Florence CVB Carlotta Ferrari and Rikke Holm Petersen VisitCopenhagen.
Do you have a dispersal strategy too? And has it had the intended impact to spread out visitors across neighbourhoods and seasons? Be sure to join our joint #realitycheck on dispersal strategies.
A session not to be missed during #CityDNA #RealityCheck conference in Bologna Welcome from April 24-27, 2024.
Be sure to register for your spot before April 17:
https://buff.ly/47EvwKs