The European Commission has unveiled the six cities in contention for the prestigious 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award.
This accolade is bestowed upon cities that exhibit exceptional commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative tourism. The award not only recognizes excellence but also encourages the exchange of best practices and the strengthening of destinations in the tourism sector.
The finalists, chosen from 30 candidates across 17 countries, include Bremerhaven (Germany), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Genoa (Italy), Helsingborg (Sweden), and San Sebastián (Spain). The competition was stiff, and the list of finalists was extended to six from the originally planned four due to a tie score.
The cities of Essen (Germany), Gdynia (Poland), Odense (Denmark), Padua (Italy), and Parma (Italy) have earned the position of runner-up cities. The selected finalists will now present their innovative proposals to a European Jury responsible for determining the winner of the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism.
The awarded city will benefit from extensive support in branding and communication, including the development of promotional campaigns and materials to enhance its visibility on the European and global stage, aiming to attract more visitors.
Since its inception in 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition has been a significant platform, spotlighting cities that have set benchmarks in smart tourism. Previous winners like Seville, València, Málaga, and Helsinki have gained international recognition for their sustainability, innovation, and smart strategies in tourism.
This initiative by the EU rewards cities for their advancements in accessibility, digitalization, sustainability, and cultural heritage and creativity, promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development and the sharing of successful strategies and practices.
To stay informed about the progress and updates of the European Capital of Smart Tourism, connect through the official website, Facebook, or Twitter, and subscribe to the EU Smart Tourism Podcast series available on Spotify and Amazon Music.
