From 22-24 April, 2026, 200 destination leaders will gather in Helsinki for the City Destinations Alliance International Conference & General Assembly.
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 by The World Happiness report 2025 as the happiest country in the world for the 9th year in a row – and its capital provides a powerful backdrop and Nina Vesterinen, tourism director of City of Helsini said: “We are delighted to host the (CityDNA) 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.”
Keynote speakers include David Meade and professor Greg Clark. The programme will address 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.
“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.”
More detail, visit: citydestinationsalliance.eu
