More than 200 destination leaders will gather in Helsinki later
this month to rethink how cities deliver economic growth and social and
cultural value.
The City Destinations Alliance International
Conference and General Assembly on 22-24 April will convene speakers and
moderators to discuss – and shape – the future of urban tourism.
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.
Keynote speakers, including David Meade and professor Greg
Clark, will share perspectives on how travel shapes identity and belonging, while
the programme will cover areas such as changing traveller behaviour, digital
transformation, community engagement and seasonality.
City Destinations Alliance president Barbara Jamison-Woods, said:
“City destinations are navigating profound transitions across society,
technology, and governance.
“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."
For more details on the programme, speakers and
registration, visit CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly
