Above : Don Welsh , leading DI to add

value to cities and regions

services within the European market . I just returned from the WTTC Conference in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia , and it was encouraging to hear that most of the markets in the Middle East are also making business events a key priority in their development . The importance of the market cannot be emphasised enough and as it is critical in the overall economic health for most communities around the world , we will continue to put resources behind getting it back on track globally .

You mention the Pathfinders Programme , can you please explain further ? The Pathfinders Programme is comprised of forward-looking European

destination leaders committed to tackling key issues facing destination organisations today . The inaugural Pathfinders include :

• Geneva Tourisme & Convention Foundation , Alain Pittet

• Malmö Convention Bureau , Johan Menso

• VisitScotland , Rory Archibald

• Fáilte Ireland , Paul Mockler

• Athens Development and Destination Management Agency , Alexia Panagiotopoulou

• Hungarian Tourism Agency , Ivan Ljubinkovic : Gabriella Becsei

• Visit Oulu , Yrjötapio Kivisaari

• The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions , Antonia

“ In successful business events destinations , there is a clear alignment between the ideology of those communities and the engagement of local stakeholders .”

Koedijk

• Turisme de Barcelona / Ajuntament de Barcelona , Rosa Bada

• Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency , Esra Güler

• Event Wales , Welsh Government , Heledd Williams

• Wonderful Copenhagen , Convention Bureau , Cathrine Seidel Tvede .

These industry leaders will identify opportunities where Destinations International can add value to cities , regions and countries in Europe with our products , education and tools . We may find that we need to create new services when we identify the current gaps in this ever-changing landscape .

Destinations International is considered to be an architect of advocacy . What are you ‘ advocating ’ now as main issues before government and the wider industry ? It is important to take a comprehensive look at the industry , isolate the issues