Destinations International, the US-based trade association for destination
marketing organisations (DMOs) and convention bureaux, is continuing to build
closer ties with Europe.
It is inviting up to 15 European destination leaders to form a special
advisory group, which will help Destinations International understand the key issues
facing destinations in Europe.
The Destinations
International Pathfinders Programme is scheduled to run for a year.
Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International, said: “One of
the silver linings of the global pandemic is that it has brought the importance
of destination organizations to life and brought unprecedented collaboration
between destinations.
“Communities recognize the impact business events have in their destinations
and that importance is even more visible now. The pandemic has provided
opportunities for tourism officials, civic leaders, and local government to
come together and build stronger communities.”
The Pathfinders programme follows the appointment earlier this year of Jane
Cunningham as director of European engagement at Destinations International. One
of her first roles was to travel around Europe talking to meetings industry
leaders about their challenges and concerns.
"It has become clear that there are opportunities to support destination
organizations in Europe and there are many ways that the Destinations
International ecosystem of members, partners and the Destinations International
team can create value,” she said. “To come up with a regenerative value
proposition, we need a wide range of European destinations on this journey with
us. It is an exciting time for European destinations as we build thriving,
sustainable communities.”
European leaders have been searching for more engagement and collaboration.
“We are looking for new tools, networks, and knowledge to be able to develop
our internal organisation and the city of Malmö. It is vital that we remain
relevant and focus on talent attraction and job creation to make sure that the
city of Malmö continues its sustainable and inclusive path to generate future
investment opportunities,” said Johan Menso, head of the convention bureau at
Malmö Convention Bureau.
