Destinations International, a resource for official destination organisations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has announced the 10 inaugural pathfinders for the Pathfinders Programme. The Pathfinders Programme, announced at 2022’s IMEX Frankfurt, is designed to help shape the future of engagement across Europe. The pathfinders will work with Destinations International to identify areas of opportunity for the association to create value for European destination organisations. They will also aid the association in and facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration between European and North American destination organisations. Destination International pathfinders will also work with the association team to bring key trends and opportunities in European destinations, and highlight and understand how leaders in the industry are addressing challenges and opportunities. They will then develop a framework to elevate the collective voice of destination organisations in Europe, and better communicate the impact of their work in local communities. 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 organisations to life and brought unprecedented collaboration between destinations.” The pandemic has provided opportunities for tourism officials, civic leaders and local government to come together and build stronger communities. The Pathfinders Programme will bring even more collaboration so we can rebuild intentionally.” Jane Cunningham, director of European engagement at Destinations International, commented that the programme was the result of her seven-month-long global listening tour. The tour was designed to help Cunningham understand the needs and gaps in the industry. “The feedback received pointed in the direction of the need for global knowledge sharing, collaboration, and creation of digital solutions to tackle the big issues our industry and our communities are facing,” she said. The pathfinders include:
- Geneva Tourisme & Convention Foundation, Alain Pittet
- Malmö Convention Bureau, Johan Menso
- Madrid Destino – Madrid Convention Bureau, David Noack
- VisitScotland, Rory Archibald
- Fáilte Ireland, Paul Mockler
- Athens Development and Destination Management Agency, Alexia Panagiotopoulou
- Hungarian & Budapest Convention Bureau, Gabriella Becsei
- Visit Oulu, Yrjötapio Kivisaari
- Turisme de Barcelona / Ajuntament de Barcelona, Rosa Bada
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, Esra Güler
Rosa Bada, Institutional Relations Director, Turisme de Barcelona-Barcelona City Council, explained her reasons to join the programme: “To learn and contribute because the tourism industry is a key factor to contribute with positive answers to the global challenges we are facing. Increasing Destinations International’s European engagement is supported by Destinations International’s key partners, including MMGY Global, Simpleview, Expedia Group, SearchWide Global and IMEX Group. The association has additionally extended invitations to European destination leaders to join the Destinations International Pathfinders Programme – more information for which can be found here. 
