City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) is the European association of city tourism organizations and convention bureaus. The organization consists of 115 members from 38 countries. Both capitals and smaller destinations are members of CityDNA. Bruges is member of this learning network since 2006. A multi-day membership conference with plenary and working group sessions is organized twice a year. In 2023 Sofia and Valencia were guest cities, in 2024 Bologna and thus Bruges. For the second time, a CityDNA congress will be linked to the GDS Forum. The Global Destination Sustainability Movement is a radically-collaborative community of destination changemakers that empower people with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to create regenerative destinations to visit, meet and live in. The GDS Movement is an affiliated member of CityDNA, which
is one of its founding partners.
Petra Stušek, President of CityDNA: "We are very happy to announce that the CityDNA Autumn Conference & GDS Forum 2024 will be held in Bruges. With a rich history and a commitment to sustainability, Bruges provides the perfect stage for discussions on the future of tourism. The city's ambition to be climate neutral by 2050 fits in seamlessly with our focus on 'better' rather than 'more' tourism. We expect a conference that will explore not only industry trends, but will also stimulate connections in the warm and welcoming environment of Bruges!"
Guy Bigwood, CEO of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, comments, “I am thrilled to bring the GDS-Forum to Bruges – a pioneer in responsible tourism. Together we will convene destination leaders and sustainability champions from around the world in a fun and unconventional gathering to discuss sustainability and impact strategies and best practices, and co-create new approaches and initiatives for greater regenerative destination management. It follows a non-conference format with a focus on how to use tourism and events to regenerate ecosystem health, foster social inclusivity, cherish cultural heritage, and uphold local economic sustainability.”
Mayor Dirk De fauw shared his enthusiasm: “I am pleased and honored that we could bring the congress and the forum to Bruges. This demonstrates the association's appreciation and trust, of which Visit Bruges has been an active member since 2006. The concerted efforts of our convention bureau have paid off! This presents a unique opportunity to showcase the strengths of our city as a sustainable convention destination to industry professionals.”
Tourism manager-director Dieter Dewulf, a former
board member, is especially pleased: “In developing our tourism strategy, it's crucial to gain external perspectives. We derive significant inspiration from our international connections and actively implement these insights. Thus, welcoming my European tourism colleagues to Bruges, although not for the first time for many, is a privilege.”
Mieke Hoste, Alderman for Tourism, added: “Tourism is a vital part of Bruges' economy and a key focus for the Visit Bruges Convention Bureau. We proactively seek out congresses related to this theme. The economic impact of such events is substantial. We anticipate this
congress will generate approximately 1,250 overnight stays in Bruges, providing a significant boost to our accommodation sector, especially during the typically quieter midweek. Notably, a delegate attending a residential congress tends to spend twice as much as a recreational overnight tourist.”
Note for the editors
From left to right on the picture:
- Beatriz Ibanez, Senior Changemaker Impact & Events Global Destination Sustainability Movement.
- Guy Bigwood, Global Destination Sustainability Movement.
- Julie Clerc, Events Coordinator City Destinations Alliance.
- Kathy Van Wambeke, Sales Manager Visit Bruges Convention Bureau.
- Petra Stušek, President of the board CityDNA and Managing Director Ljubljana Tourism.
- Dieter Dewulf, Tourism Manager-Director Visit Bruges.
- Flavie de Bueil, COO City Destinations Alliance.
Contact:
Visit Bruges Convention Bureau
Kathy Van Wambeke, Sales Manager
E: meeting@brugge.be / T: +32(0)050/44 46 66