The Latest News from the DSTNCMP

Three days of space for reflection, hands-on experience, and new perspectives: TheDSTNCMP²⁶ in Brixen has once again demonstrated how open, creative, and forward-looking discussions about tourism can be.

More than 220 participants gathered to take a look at the future of the industry together. Also: The winning projects of theDSTNCMP²⁶ Award and a sneak peek atDSTNCMP²⁷ in Antwerp.

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In the morning, there were again two workshops and sessions each, followed in the afternoon by additional sessions at outstanding industrial companies, guided tours of luxury hotels, and a visit to the south portal of the Brenner Base Tunnel. There was also a visit to the Griesserhof, where agriculture and tourism go hand in hand in an exemplary way. And then came the mysterious gathering for the netzvitamineABEND.

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The morning was marked by a willingness to change, creativity, the right mindset, collaboration, and effectiveness the sessions and workshops. In the afternoon, the group visitedleading industrial companies, luxury hotels, agricultural operations, and the Brenner Base Tunnel. In the evening, there was a celebration under the canopy of leaves at Brix 0.1.

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A derelict barracks complex, an unusual keynote speech, and the interplay between the oldest inn and the most modern wine bar: The opening of the DSTNCMP²⁶ in Brixen encouraged attendees to engage with the theme of transformation.

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To make sure you’re fully prepared—and to build up your excitement even more—we’ve put together all the important information about Neustift Abbey—the main venue for theDSTNCMP²⁶ sessions —as well as the supporting program in and around Brixen.

There is also an update on the finalists for theDSTNCMP²⁶ Award and a sneak peek at Chaichana Sinthuaree's keynote address.

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The Holidu Initiative

uses specific use cases to demonstrate how AI is already taking on key tasks in consulting, price optimization, and guest communication.

The real challenge for destinations in the future, therefore, lies elsewhere: in creating authentic experiences on site.

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In four exciting AKADEMIE sessions, our partners atDSTNCMP²⁶ will once again provide practical insights— ranging from the strategic development of guest cards and data management to targeted communication and personalized campaigns.

The focus is always on the question of how technology can create a real impact for destinations.

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A single video for a website, social media, trade shows, recruiting, and sales all at once—can that really work? Bernhard Lingg (silberstern) explains why “one video fits all” is a myth and why, instead, a clear master video with tailored versions for individual channels can be significantly more effective.

After all, a good movie doesn't have to do everything—it just has to do the right things.

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Martin Tauber of Guestnet explains how digital guest communication makes an impact where it matters most: right on-site and in real time.

In his presentation, you’ll learn how Guestent’s products turn data into concrete inspiration throughout the guest journey—leading to happier guests, more efficient processes, and greater value creation for destinations.

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Predictive analytics turns data into an operational management tool for destinations—enabling fact-based, strategic decisions and providing a real planning advantage.

Bernhard Taurer of feratel shows how data can be transformed into actionable insights —for greater efficiency, planning reliability, and a better understanding of demand in destination development.

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With a focus on data sovereignty and compliance, Robert Klauser of infomax shows how destinations and tourism companies can regain control over their digital assets—moving away from platform dependencies toward a sovereign and future-proof system architecture.

This presentation provides guidance amid growing digital complexity and explains why data sovereignty is not just an IT detail, but is becoming a decisive competitive advantage for the destination of tomorrow.

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With the one.intelligence marketplace, destination.one demonstrates how destinations, hotels, and tourism businesses can use AI responsibly. Practical, data-driven, and without the need for in-house developers. Always powered by European technology, GDPR-compliant, and with full cost control.

Stefan Huber of destination.one introduces the marketplace and explains why initiatives like this represent the future of digital work .

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When information, tools, and to-do lists are piling up, "more software" just isn't enough anymore.

Susanne Gregori of secra bookings shows how tourism organizations can regain their ability to act —through prioritization, streamlined processes, and reliable data—and turn overload into a strategic strength.

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Visibility is a thing of the past— relevance in AI responses is what matters today.

In his keynote, Georg Koch of valantic Austria explains why SEO alone is no longer enough in the tourism industry and how Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is shaping the new rules of the game for digital visibility .

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With Chaichana Sinthuaree, theDSTNCMP²⁶ gainsa keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in transformation.

In his keynote address atthe DestinationCamp opening in Brixen, South Tyrol, he explains why true innovation begins with mindset, leadership, and people —not with tools.

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Once again, theDSTNCMP²⁶ Award honors bold "just give it a try"projects that serve as role models.

The application period runs from February 4 to March 15, 2026; the winners can look forward to generous prizes with a total value of over 40,000 euros.

We are looking for completed projects that were implemented in a pragmatic manner and can be replicated in other destinations.

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The DSTNCMP²⁶-Topics have been finalized: From female leadership and data governance to transformation and adaptation strategies, DestinationCamp 2026 will address the industry’s key issues for the future.

Across seven thematic areas, practical approaches are developed to make destinations sustainable, promote the common good, and take communication and personalization to the next level.

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The 16th DestinationCamp, taking place May 5–7, 2026, in Brixen (South Tyrol), will once again address the industry’s major topics. But are yours on the list? You can find out by taking the topic survey.

Through December 15, you can choose up to 3 favorites from 10 thematic areas and also address your own challenges. We’re looking for even those who aren’t in Brixen.

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WERKSCHAU²⁵ is here—its 224 pages document the key insights from the 15th DestinationCampin Düsseldorf.

In addition, tickets forDSTNCMP²⁶ (May 5–7, 2026, in Brixen, South Tyrol) are now available—including an early-bird discount through October 31 and other discounts.

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How can the hospitality and restaurant industries attract skilled workers from around the world? "Lerch Genusswelten" is leading the way—with its intercultural campaign "I Belong Here".

In Düsseldorf, she was awarded the DSTNCMP²⁵-Prize .

Their approach: thinking boldly, placing trust in others, and breaking new ground. An idea that can inspire other companies as well.

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Was the netzvitamineABEND the most memorable part of the third evening of the DSTNCMP²⁵ in Düsseldorf? Or was it the finalists and winners of theDSTNCMP Award?

The 15th DestinationCampin Düsseldorf has now come to an end. However, the dates for the 16th edition of this important forum for the German-speaking tourism industry have already been set: May 5–7 in Brixen, South Tyrol.

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14 intensive sessions, plus in-depth workshops and exploration tours in Düsseldorf: That was Day 2 of the DSTNCMP²⁵. In the evening, the approximately 250 participants celebrated at the the original location of Schumacher’s Altbier brewery.

The Sakura Choir and the Düsseldorf Japanese Men's Choir were sure to set the mood with Japanese and German drinking songs and miners' songs.

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The opening night of the 15th DestinationCamp was a hit, featuring creative themed pitches and a keynote address by Bernd Reutemann. He emphasized the importance of service orientation and emotional appeal and introduced “Weglass-Wednesday.”

The evening wrapped up at the Design Offices Fürst & Friedrich, where Düsseldorf's home breweries served their Alt beers under the "Altbier United" brand.

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It sounds like a pipe dream, but it’s increasingly becoming a reality: Instead of using various filters to narrow down their search for the best travel destination, guests are already using prompts to search. These open up entirely new dimensions of personalization.

Stefan Grimm's (HomeToGo) presentation highlights the opportunities this presents and the requirements that booking systems must adapt to.

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Seamlessly integrating AI into B2C tourism applications requires careful consideration and effort to gain user trust and ensure a positive user experience.

In addition to model selection, cost control, and prompt engineering, factors such as data sovereignty, data quality, and transparency also play a role. Lorena Meyer (infomax) highlights this in her keynote presentation during the in-depth session on AI.

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It is billed as the "industry's think tank" and is now in its 15th year: the annual DestinationCamp.

Keynote speaker Bernd Reutemann promises to inspire "evolutionary agility," and in an in-depth session, European tourism leaders from Vienna to Málaga will develop new strategies for the visitor economy.

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In his presentation, Niklas Hasenbusch offers practical insights into how Design Offices, with its approximately 50 locations, helps companies bring modern ways of working to life in their spaces.

It's not just about space—it's especially about the impact: on teams, on culture, and on productivity.

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Many destinations are investing in smart content and digital tools —but true relevance only emerges during the guest’s stay. Martin Tauber (Guestnet) shows how hosts can be specifically relieved of certain tasks while simultaneously becoming key points of contact for guest information. The article highlights why the stay is the decisive phase of the guest journey —and how intelligently linking existing data creates a new level of service quality.

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Mobility data provides valuable insights—if you know how to interpret it. In his article, Matthias Traub of Invenium Data Insights shows how theoretical models can be applied to the tourism context to analyze visitor flows and make informed decisions. Real-world examples illustrate how data-driven management works—for beginners as well as for experienced organizations.

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Many destinations have a wealth of valuable film content —but hardly ever use it. Whether it’s professional raw footage or cell phone clips, those who consistently save and organize their video footage can efficiently create new content from it. In this blog post, Bernhard Lingg from silberstern shows how to successfully repurpose footage, why scenes are more important than finished films, and how you can make a big impact even on a small budget.

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What really motivates guests? In her presentation, Sabine Ahlemeier of MB-Micromarketing shows how tourism organizations can use the Sinus-Milieus to gain in-depth insights into their target audiences—based on real booking and mobility data. This not only results in meaningful personas but also in marketing strategies that are effective where guests actually are: tailored, data-driven, and efficient.

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How can guest traffic, occupancy rates, and booking trends be reliably forecasted?

feratel's new "DMO Performance Monitor" provides answers—with AI-powered analyses, real-time data, and surprisingly accurate forecasts.

Bernhard Taurer shows how data-driven decisions in destination management are not only more efficient but also strategically smarter.

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Those who know their guests communicate better: Instead of constantly targeting new audiences, this “Impuls” article by Andrea Sartori (NumBirds) focuses on the potential of existing guest data. By taking a structured look at data sources, quality, and segmentation, he shows how tourism organizations can personalize their communication throughout the entire guest journey and achieve measurable improvements.

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The European Accessibility Act (EAA) makes digital accessibility mandatory: Starting June 28, 2025, companies must ensure that their digital products and services in the EU are accessible. In his keynote address, Michael Urban of valantic Austria explains what this means in concrete terms, who is affected, and why accessibility is more than just a technical standard.

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Starting in January 2025, German guests staying at lodging facilities will no longer be required to fill out a registration form —a relief for hotels, but a challenge for the financing of guest cards, visitor’s tax, and infrastructure. In his presentation, Ralf Rogler (AVS) how destinations will collect data in the future and what role digital systems will play in this process.

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Many destinations are wondering how AI can be implemented without requiring a significant amount of additional effort. The answer: using what’s already available—structured data.

In his session at DestinationCamp 2025 , Stefan Huber, CEO of destination.one, will demonstrate how destinations today can use AI not only to create content, but also to increase their reach and provide targeted advice to guests—all based on existing content.

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Discuss in the morning, debate solutions, weigh strategies—discover new things in the afternoon. The “workation” offerings are a regular part of the program at the15th DestinationCamp, taking place June 3–5 in Düsseldorf. Starting now, participants can register via the Guestnet event app for six optional in-depth sessions, access to modern coworking spaces, and four exciting city tours.

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You have until March 16, 2025, to apply for theDSTNCMP²⁵ Award! Take this opportunity to submit your innovative ideas and projects and win one of three prizes totaling over 80,000 €!

So, share your fresh ideas!

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Bernd Reutemann will deliver the keynote address at the 15th DestinationCamp.

The coach, management consultant, trained chef, and hotelier is a paragon of creativity and eloquence, as well as practical knowledge and life experience. He also brings a fascinating perspective from the world of mountain biking.

His credo and the theme of his keynote speech are: "You have to recognize what is strategically important and what is the right thing to do from a human perspective."

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What impact do digital shifts have on destinations? How can politics and tourism be reconciled? What role do influencers, TikTok, and similar platforms play in community management? And how does AI increase work efficiency?

In 28 sessions on relevant topics, 6 in-depth sessions in the afternoons, and 4 lectures at the netzvitamineAKADEMIE, immediately actionable solutions will be developed for these and other issues.

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TheDSTNCMP²⁵ Award provides a major platform for innovative projects in the German-speaking tourism sector. Whether they involve practical solutions, strategic adaptations, or addressing small local challenges—there are many examples of great projects that few people know about.

TheDSTNCMP²⁵ Award highlights these solutions and is offering prizes totaling just under 80,000 euros this year. DIE ZEIT is serving as a sponsor this year.

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From June 3 to 5, 2025, the tourism industry’s leading forum will take place in Düsseldorf . In addition to jointly developing solutions and sharing knowledge , a top-notch supporting program awaits , allowing participants to experience Düsseldorf.

This year, there are two award categories: Category 1 for tourism organizations, academic institutions, and service providers; Category 2 for agencies, consultants, and system providers.

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The WERKSCHAU²⁴ presents, over 202 pages, the findings from the 28 sessions on the seven thematic strands, as well as summaries of the four sessions of the netzvitamineAKADEMIE from DSTNCMP²⁴ Bregenz. In addition, there are articles on the legendary supporting program.

At 15thDestinationCamp, taking place June 3–5, 2025, in Düsseldorf, the event will continue its evolution from an industry gathering to a space for ideas .

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In the case of DSTNCMP²⁴ , a clear stance was taken on pressing issues.

In a spontaneous effort, an industry-wide working group has come together to issue a statement in support of openness to the world and democratic values .

We are a community wWe live by these values and invite everyone to join us.

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On Friday morning, most of the participants headed home. But for about 50 eager learners, theDSTNCMP²⁴ continued on Friday morning in Dornbirn—at the Creative Institut Vorarlberg there.

Urs Treuthardt introduced the data:room—a creative space where data from various sources and different perspectives can be analyzed in an interdisciplinary manner .

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The DSTNCMPchallenge cup goes to the Wangerländer Deichleuchten. And the DSTNCMP²⁵ is in Düsseldorf.

However, topping the spectacular closing gala at the Festspielhaus in Bregenz is likely to be a challenge for North Rhine-Westphalia’s state capital. Düsseldorf’s new head of tourism, Jens Ihsen, had traveled to Lake Constance specifically to invite the participants of the 14th DestinationCamp.

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The 13 previous DestinationCamps were already known for their high-flying moments; the 14th edition in Bregenz is now also known forits “thrill of the depths.” On the second day of the DSTNCMP²⁴ , the morning sessions featured some high-flying ideas; in the afternoon, the weather surprised the nearly 280 participants with sunshine and blue skies—and in the evening, winemaker Joseph Möth wowed the crowd with his “Tiefenrausch” project.

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With a cinematic nod to James Bond, the DSTNCMPwas launched on Tuesday²⁴ in Bregenz.

Whereas the 2008 film “Quantum of Solace,” starring Daniel Craig, took center stage, in 2024 , some 280 tourism professionals and experts played the leading roles.

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The travel industry faces ongoing challenges, particularly when it comes to changes in demand.

In her presentation, Silke Völling (Booking.com) reflects on this dynamic context and emphasizes the importance of attractions in a successful tourism model.

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Everyone is talking about AI. The many areas of application for all kinds of AI tools are also discussed time and again. But will everything really become much easier and better now?

In her presentation as part of the "Digitalization with AI" track, Ina Fuchshuber (infomax websolutions) focuses on where AI can truly be helpful. She explores this question with you: Where can AI efficiently make everyday life easier?

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Immerse yourself in the region, discover local attractions and authentic experiences, find restaurant and sightseeing recommendations, or get tips for a night out hopping from bar to bar—the Guestnet app makes it all possible.

The participants of the DSTNCMP²⁴ can test them right there in Bregenz.

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Visitor flow measurements and admission systems using a "traffic light" system have been familiar to many tourism professionals, at least since the pandemic.

In his blog post on the topic of "Digitalization with AI," Markus Matthaei (neusta destination.one) explains how AI-powered data aggregation now makes it possible to forecast visitor numbers.

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Digitizing processes does not necessarily mean greater sustainability.

In her article, Patricia Geyr (web-crossing) explains how online presences can be designed to be environmentally friendly. Here’s a preview: the interplay between concept development, technical implementation, and editorial work is the key to projects that are both successful and sustainable.

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Hardly any other core function of DMOs has changed as much over the past decade as visitor recruitment.

In his keynote presentation, Simon Drefs (Holidu) explains why data is fun and how to make online sales as enjoyable and successful as possible for destinations and hosts.

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With the Opening Talk, the DSTNCMP²⁴ sets a new tone.

How can data researchers, international family-owned businesses, and tourism organizations learn from one another? What do some do well, and what do others do better?

A network analyst, a recycling specialist, and the head of a "matchmaking agency" provide the answers.

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Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the vacation experience for travelers and partners.

Felix Welckenbach (HomeToGo) explains this in his presentation in the "Digitalization with AI" track at the DSTNCMP²⁴, how a DMO can use AI to find top-notch solutions for its evolving needs and optimize the visitor experience for its travelers.

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Destination cards for visitors, locals, and businesses are increasingly transforming marketing with the possibilities they offer.

Petra Tanner (NumBirds) and Ramon Ram (feratel) will present in the "Sustainability & Environmental Management" track at the DSTNCMP²⁴ , will present various applications and ways to optimize communication related to destination cards.

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The 14th edition of the industry gathering for German-speaking destination tourism explores this trend: “Workation”—the combination of periods of (remote) work and typical vacation experiences—works best when the activities can be casually arranged around work schedules. Registration for the exclusive program of activities and the optional additional session on Friday at data:room is now open.

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The steadily growing camping industry is posing increasing challenges for destinations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Katharina Gerigk, Managing Director of onlinejungle.camp GmbH, will present in the "Trendy Marketing Potential" track at the DSTNCMP²⁴ opportunities presented by this popular travel format and will discuss with you how new partnerships can also benefit the local community.

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Will good (destination) films soon be nothing more than a matter of the right prompt? Do we even need real film productions anymore?

Bernhard Lingg, a partner at silberstern Filmproduktion, has been thinking about this. At the DSTNCMP²⁴ in Bregenz, he’ll be contributing to the “Digitization with AI” track. Read now to find out where he stands on the concept of AI in videos!

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The program forDSTNCMP²⁴ has now been released. Based on the online survey conducted in cooperation with the MCI, the program features seven thematic tracks with a total of 28 sessions, as well as four AKADEMIE presentations.

This year's program will focus on sessions covering digitalization with AI, value creation through sustainability and environmental management, and the potential implications of a looming shift to the right.

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From May 21 through May 23 or 24, 2024, the capital of Vorarlberg will become a new hub for thought leadership in the industry.

Ticket sales for theDSTNCMP²⁴ in Bregenz on Lake Constance will begin on November 23, 2023.

For the first time, corporate tickets are available for booking for 2024. If you act fast, you can also snag one of the 60 early-bird tickets.

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It was the first DestinationCamp held outside of Hamburg. In addition, there is now the SCHAUSCHAU has been published. At 236 pages, it is the most comprehensive issue to date and documents the workshop results from 60 sessions covering ten major thematic areas.

The 13th DestinationCamp in Kufstein was organized as a workation event for the first time. The DSTNCMP²⁴ from May 21–24, 2024 in Bregenz builds on the experience gained from that event and will be modified accordingly.

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For four days, Kufstein in Tyrol served as the "think tank for the German-speaking tourism industry. "

The 13th edition of DestinationCamp successfully made the transition from cosmopolitan Hamburg to the small town of Kufstein am Inn.

The new format is now set to be further developed as part of theDSTNCMP²⁴ in Bregenz in May 2024.

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Some self-proclaimed experts thought they knew—so their eyes grew even wider when, on the outskirts of the small Passion Play town of Erl, behind the dandelion meadow, the futuristic-looking dark glass and concrete facade of the Festspielhaus came into view.

The netzvitamineABEND was once again a highlight with its unique moments and part of the workation program.

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I'm sure everyone would have preferred the weather we had on opening day—but despite the rain, the second day of theDSTNCMP²³ turned out to be a successful start to the "Workation Project."

The 13th DestinationCamp—the first to be held outside of Hamburg—is intended to serve as an example of how even smaller destinations can create new product lines by combining vacation and business travel .

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On Tuesday (May 9, 2023), theDSTNCMP²³ kicked off at the Kultur Quartier Kufstein with more than 200 participants.

With 60 sessions and 43 keynote presentations, it has broken all previous records—and became the first major event in Tyrol to be awarded the Austrian Eco-Label for Green Events .

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"Trust is good—control is more expensive," as the saying goes in Denmark. Our keynote speaker this year, Eva Schulte-Austum, knows whether that’s true. She is a trust researcher, business coach, and author, and in Kufstein she will demonstrate in a lively and engaging way how trust truly works.

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What should we do if even the bakery closes? How should jobs be designed so that today’s children will want to work in tourism in the future? The DSTNCMP, taking place May 9–12 in Kufstein, will address these and other questions.

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If you want to secure one of the limited early-bird tickets, you should hurry: They’re only available through October 31, 2022. In addition to the standard ticket, a short-stay ticket is also available for the first time.

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Now in its 13th year, the DSTNCMP is moving from the metropolis of 1.9 million on the Elbe to a Tyrolean town on the Inn that is a hundred times smaller. From May 9–12, 2023 , Kufstein will become the think tank for tourism in the D-A-CH region.

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On the 3rd day of the DSTNCMP²² it was time to say goodbye to the City of Bridges, the cosmopolitan port city of Hamburg.

The theme of the evening program on the second day of the DSTNCMP²² really only gave Hamburgers a hint of the wide range of impressions and experiences that awaited the more than 230 participants: “From the Alster to the Elbe.”

What a start to the12th DSTNCMP! Bernhard Lingg kicked off the evening in his dynamic, lively Bavarian style and briefed the participants on the organization, COVID-19 guidelines, and program of the DSTNCMP²² .

The 11th DSTNCMPcontinued on Thursday with two additional sessions across the eight thematic tracks. There was no joint closing presentation. Instead, DSTNCMPparticipants were offered²¹ received a certificate for the first time.

Lively sessions, harp music, and drum rolls at the Chinese evening—many highlights awaited the participants of the DSTNCMP²¹.

No sooner had Hamburg’s second-largest movie theater at CinemaxX filled up in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines than the intro to *Pirates of the Caribbean* faded out and a warning triangle lit up on the giant screen. The 11th DSTNCMPin Hamburg had begun.

The#DCHH20has come to an end; nearly 200 tourism professionals, hosts, service providers, and organizational representatives are on their way back to their places of work.

The second day is traditionally a challenge for all the senses: first a full day's work, and then an exciting evening program

We're doing it anyway! — Great. Fantastic. Unique. Commendable. Encouraging. And "truly exemplary in these times of COVID-19."

Shaping experiences, gaining insights, making the most of open spaces—step by step, helping to shape the destination as a cherished living environment for locals as well. The participants at#DCHH19saw this as the industry’s unique challenges.

The contrast couldn't have been greater on the second day of#DCHH19: by day, the stately Chamber of Commerce; by night, the Haus 73 ensemble next to the graffiti-covered "Rote Flora" in the Schanzenviertel.

Wow, what a start. Right at the beginning of the opening night of#DCHH19, host Bernhard Lingg eloquently set the pace, explained the program—and then Josef Bertl took the stage: a “Certified Philosopher of Serenity” and, by his own designation, a Royal Bavarian Coolness Consultant.

Here they are: this year’s DestinationCamp topics and our fantastic moderators. An exciting lineup awaits you, ranging from the data economy and trends to the tried-and-true Magic Roundtable.

The 8th DestinationCampcame to a close on Sunday with six excellent “scenario workshops.” The themes were as diverse as the 18 sessions themselves. From all the different perspectives and insights, one overarching theme ultimately emerged—a motto, or perhaps even a call to action: SERENITY!

Six thematic areas, 18 workshops—Saturdays at the DCHH are traditionally packed with activities. In addition to many discussions, however, there was also a very special evening program.

People remain the most important factor in the human-machine system—that was the conclusion of the opening night at the8th DestinationCamp.

Under the overarching theme of "People," here are the topics you can look forward to at the 8th DestinationCamp in Hamburg!

Everything related to vacations that can be digitized will be digitized in the near future. But that alone does not guarantee the sense of happiness that guests seek in their own personal pursuit of a fulfilling life. The key to achieving that is people.

Twelve experts led 18 two-hour sessions across six thematic groups. Afterward, the evening event aboard the MS KOI provided a well-deserved after-work celebration in the form of a four-hour cruise on the Elbe.

Artificial intelligence and chatbots that negotiate the best personalized offers for users; virtual reality (VR) tours of travel destinations; vacation accommodations printed on 3D printers; autonomous air taxis as an extension of traditional travel; and robots serving as service providers.

Thanks to the suggestions from the topic survey, we have another lineup of forward-looking sessions this year. These will be led by this year’s teams of moderators, who—for the first time ever—will work in pairs rather than as a “moderator” and a “mindmapper.”

The conclusion of the sixth DestinationCampcalls our attitude into question: Do we truly value the people around us and the (tourism-related) products we sell and buy?

Following the inspiring kickoff, the second day was devoted to the actual work. The topics of this year’s sessions were addressed collaboratively in various formats.

After five years on the ISM campus in HafenCity, this year's DestinationCampmoved just under a kilometer toward the Binnenalster.

You took advantage of this opportunity to make DestinationCampyour forum again—we received many topic suggestions. And here are the votes!

The takeaway from the 5th DestinationCampis, above all, a sense of new beginnings: locals are becoming guests, DMOs are becoming destination service organizations, new metrics are determining success or failure, and there is more creative potential slumbering “under the hood of the tourism professional” than we realized.

The expanded range of topics and the new formats for facilitating discussions were the right steps toward further developing DestinationCamp. At least, that’s my impression based on the preliminary results and the overall atmosphere on the evening of the second day.

In his keynote address, freelance creative director Andreas Ruthemann sparked a search for the "Reason Why" and demonstrated why it is so important for brands to show their true colors.

The fourth DestinationCamphas come to a close. Toolset, Start-up, Datenbasar, the de-cooperation model, Oper-Airleben, and Travelcap were the key topics that have now inspired and motivated all participants as they return to their daily lives.

To be more precise: 6 thematic clusters, 2 discussion group leaders, 4 sessions, and 180 participants on a journey into the future of tourism.

A few participants at#dchh14have already started discussing things—over breakfast at Google's German headquarters—and the questions raised are providing plenty of fuel for the 2014 Creative and Future Workshop!

There it was—the long-awaited keynote, which turned out to be something completely different: a Coca-Cola executive who sees himself as the “main moderator,” views every person who buys a bottle as a stakeholder, and has built his company into a nightmare for all large corporations. It’s time to turn visions into reality!

In 7 days, it’s finally here: the 2014 Creativity and Future Workshop will open its doors. All the topics—along with the moderators and mind-mappers—have now been finalized. This year, the topic clusters were identified in the run-up to DestinationCampthrough two online surveys.

The third DestinationCampis now behind us. Three very emotional and incredibly wonderful events. Hours and days that were deeply enriching—in every way!

6 topics, 4 discussion rounds, x 4 mind map branches, x countless challenges, ideas, opportunities, and potential solutions = a ton of material for the scenario workshop!

Just under 180 tourism professionals from various countries, a wide range of industry sectors, and different companies gathered today in Hamburg for what is now the third DestinationCamp. We’re expecting lively discussions, exciting connections, new ideas, and… well… wild parties… ;)

The time has come: the topics for 2013 have been finalized. As in the previous two years, an online industry survey was conducted in the run-up to DestinationCampto assess current hot topics and determine the workshop themes.

I haven't counted how many photos there are from the 2012 Creative and Future Workshop. But I do know that a picture is worth more than 1,000 words. So this 8-minute video from this year's DestinationCampreally packs a punch. ;)

We did it. Two days of hard work are behind us. Two days of working together and analyzing key issues. Two days filled with controversial and in-depth discussions featuring a wide range of viewpoints.

From the call for the business community to participate in the value creation of tourism, to new business models and a new self-image for the DMO, all the way to the legitimacy of the brand, ideas were openly explored and hotly debated.

DestinationCamp2012 got off to a spectacular start: with a new venue for the first evening’s program—the 25hours Hotel HafenCity—it served as the hub for accreditation and the get-together.

As we did in 2011, we conducted an industry survey this year in the run-up to DestinationCampto assess current hot topics and determine the six workshop themes.

It’s just 7 days away— DestinationCampis back for its second edition! Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve been hard at work and in discussions, discarding some ideas, expanding on others, and—most importantly—incorporating feedback from the 2011 participants.

Two and a half days of lively discussion and very productive sessions in HafenCity have come to an end. Here’s a quick look at the initial results from Saturday’s 4×6 sessions—the rest will follow as soon as possible.

Now it’s done—the best scenes, the most memorable comments, and the most exciting moments captured on film, so that everyone who was there can relive those interesting hours and all the teamwork in Hamburg, and so that everyone who wasn’t there can get even more excited about 2012…

The themed sessions presented on Friday evening were well attended—sometimes more, sometimes less. It was probably also due to the breaks after each 1.5-hour session that the turnover was veeeery dynamic… so it was real networking; the exchange worked ;)

Sounds evoke emotions and—when used appropriately—can subconsciously have a positive effect on the atmosphere, the ambiance, and people’s sense of well-being. The same principles that apply to “chilling at the beach bar” can also be applied to events.

More than 90% of the 172 participants attended the welcome event last night—a good start, I’d say. After the welcome remarks and introduction of the project team, the results of the industry survey were presented; these results also serve as the topics for today’s workshops.

Time and again, it has become clear that exactly what one “wouldn’t expect” can lead to success. And that brings us to the point: “Strictly speaking,” DestinationCampisn’t a traditional BarCamp either—and that’s entirely by design.