THE DSTNCMP²⁶ IS ABOUT TO BEGIN

The Augustinian Monastery of Neustift near Brixen in South Tyrol has been regarded as a “place of power” for centuries. The 16th DestinationCampin Brixen is sure to benefit from the vibrant spirit that fills the modern conference rooms nestled within these centuries-old walls. From May 5–7, 2026, more than 200 experts from the fields of tourism, academia, the hospitality industry, travel agencies, technology, and online platforms will gather here, halfway between Brenner and Bolzano. AtDSTNCMP²⁶, participants from Italy, the D-A-CH countries, and Belgium will discuss the future of German-speaking tourism in 32 sessions, workshops, and expert panels. In addition to the “place of power” Neustift, a supporting program unlike any other awaits them in Brixen: The theme of “transformation” will be vividly experienced in the fields of hospitality, architecture, and urban, regional, and industrial development. The detailed program for theDSTNCMP²⁶ can be found here. Last-minute attendees can also still purchase one of the remaining tickets for this unique event format.

BRIXEN WATER LIGHT FESTIVAL WITH OPEN-AIR EVENTS AS PART OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM

A special highlight of the side program for the16th DestinationCamp, taking place May 5–7, 2026, in South Tyrol, is the “Brixen Water Light Festival”: Light artists will transform water features, fountains, and historic buildings in the old town into an open-air gallery centered on the theme “Water is Life – Light is Art.” TheDSTNCMP²⁶ ticket also serves as admission to this event. The Water Light Festival 2026 will take place from April 24 to May 12, 2026, as part of the EU project IMAGINE PEACE. In addition to Brixen, the project includes light festivals in Copenhagen, Essen, Oslo, and Pula.

FOUR FINALISTS FOR THEDSTNCMP²⁶AWARD

The DSTNCMP²⁶ Prize aims to motivate people to scale down big ideas to fit small budgets and to boldly pursue innovation. In 2026, the focus will again be not on elaborate innovation projects, but on unconventional “just give it a try” approaches. After the submission deadline, a preliminary jury selected four finalists: an action week titled“Accessible Western Lake Constance – Experiences for Everyone,” a winter“Moselle Wine Night Market” in Traben-Trarbach, a branding campaign titled“Fashion Meets Destination” for the Zillertal, and the“HÆDI #17Ziele Unplugged Festival” in St. Peter-Ording. Four “jurors” and the participants ofthe DSTNCMP²⁶ from May 5–7, 2026, will decide the winners. Media prizes and vouchers for the netzvitamineAKADEMIE worth approximately 40,000 euros await the finalists.

FROM SCHOOL DROPOUT TO CEO: KEYNOTE SPEAKER WITH 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN TRANSFORMATION

Transformation, brand management, and social responsibility are the core themes of the keynote address at the16th DestinationCamp, taking place May 5–7, 2026, in South Tyrol. The more than 200 participants atDSTNCMP²⁶ in Brixen can look forward to hearing from a proven transformation expert who speaks plainly and doesn’t need to impress with buzzwords: Chaichana Sinthuaree. Born in Thailand, he came to Germany as a toddler. He began his career as a high school dropout; today, he is a sought-after CRM expert. “Chai” has served as CEO of Digital Business, head of Ogilvy’s German operations, Chief Digital & Media Officer at Eckes-Granini, and CEO of ASS Athletic Sport Sponsoring. He will demonstrate how disruptive innovations are possible even within existing ecological and social constraints.