Today marks a significant stride in sustainable tourism as the European Commission unveils the cities in the running for the esteemed 2024 Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award. This award is a symbol of extraordinary commitment to fostering sustainable and innovative tourism.
The European Commission, under the Smart Tourism initiative, has initiated two contests: the European Capital and the Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. These competitions aim to champion intelligent and eco-friendly tourism within the European Union, fortify destinations, and encourage the sharing of exemplary practices.
The cities of Grevena in Greece, Grosseto in Italy, Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark in Austria/Slovenia, and Valongo in Portugal have emerged as the frontrunners, chosen from 11 potential destinations. These cities have showcased outstanding dedication and have impressed a team of independent sustainability connoisseurs with their submissions.
Green Pioneering: A Beacon for Sustainable Tourism
Following the shortlisting, the final contenders will showcase their innovative proposals to a European Jury tasked with determining the 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. The city that secures the award will be heralded as a trailblazer in tourism sustainability, aligning with the objectives of the European Green Deal. The victor will also gain specialized communication and branding aid at the EU level throughout 2024.
This competition welcomed entries from cities within the European Union and from non-EU countries eligible for the Single Market programme. A group of sustainability specialists assessed the entries, and the cities with the top overall scores advanced to the next stage.
The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024 is a continuation of the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) competition, initiated by the European Commission in 2007. This competition was established to acknowledge Europe’s unconventional and rising sustainable tourism destinations.
Securing the title of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024 is not just an honor; it serves as a source of inspiration for other European tourism destinations. It elevates the winning city’s reputation as a prime travel destination, drawing in tourists and fostering sustainable economic development.
For real-time updates on the Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, interested individuals can follow the official website, Facebook, or Twitter, and subscribe to the Podcast series available on Spotify and Amazon Music.
The cities shortlisted for this prestigious award have demonstrated exceptional innovation and commitment to shaping a sustainable future in tourism. This initiative by the European Commission not only recognizes excellence in sustainable tourism but also encourages other destinations to adopt best practices and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in Europe.
