The European Commission has unveiled the finalists for the 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Awards, recognizing cities that excel in sustainable and smart tourism, promoting innovation, and establishing best practices across Europe.

Unveiling the Contenders for the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

From a pool of 21 contenders representing 10 countries, seven cities have been shortlisted for the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism. The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:

• Brussels (Belgium)
• Genoa (Italy)
• Konya (Türkiye)
• Lahti (Finland)
• Lviv (Ukraine)
• Porto (Portugal)
• Torino (Italy)

The European Commission has decided to extend the shortlist from four to seven destinations for the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition, as several applicants submitted high quality applications and achieved the same score during the evaluation process. This demonstrates the growing number of European cities prioritizing sustainable and smart tourism practices. These cities are now vying for the prestigious title, which recognizes their exceptional commitment to shaping the future of tourism. The award also aims to foster networking and the exchange of best practices between smart tourism destinations, this boosting innovation in European tourism.

The Journey to the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism: A Process of Selection

The finalists will be invited to present their proposals to a European Jury on 26 and 27 November 2024. The jury will then select the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025. The winner will receive extensive communication and branding support. This will include the creation of a promotional video, the installation of a hashtag sculpture in the city, and the implementation of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at increasing visibility at both the EU and global level. These initiatives will help amplify the winning city's achievements and inspire other destinations to adopt smart tourism practices.

The competition was open to cities in the European Union and non-EU countries participating in the Single Market Programme. An external panel of experts thoroughly evaluated the applications, shortlisting applicants with the highest cumulative score across all categories. The evaluation process ensured a fair and rigorous selection of the finalists, taking into account factors such as accessibility, digitalization, sustainability, and cultural heritage and creativity. These are the key elements of the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative, reflecting the importance of a holistic approach to tourism development. This initiative aims to ensure that tourism is accessible to everyone and promotes a high quality of life for both tourists and residents.

A Legacy of Innovation: The European Capital of Smart Tourism

The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition was launched in 2018 to recognize exceptional practices and achievements in tourism. The competition has provided a platform to highlight smart tourism initiatives and promote the exchange of best practices between European cities. Dublin was selected as the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism, joining a growing list of exemplary cities leading the way in smart tourism. Previous winners include Seville and Pafos (2023), València and Bordeaux (2022), Málaga and Gothenburg (2020), and Helsinki and Lyon (2019). These cities have become exemplary models for smart tourism in Europe, achieving high international rankings for sustainability, innovation, quality of life, and the effective integration of smart strategies. They have demonstrated that smart tourism practices can not only enhance the tourist experience but also contribute to a city's overall well-being and competitiveness. This competition has played a crucial role in promoting the concept of smart tourism and its potential to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe.

The EU's Vision for Sustainable Tourism

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that rewards cities for their innovative approaches to tourism. It builds on the successful experience of a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament and aims to foster sustainable and inclusive tourism development while facilitating the exchange of best practices. The initiative recognizes that smart tourism can be a key driver of sustainable growth, contributing to economic development, job creation, and social inclusion. The EU's commitment to promoting smart tourism is further demonstrated by the EU Smart Tourism Podcast series, which features discussions with delegates from the winners of the European Capitals of Smart Tourism competition, cities shortlisted for the award, and representatives from the EU Commission. This podcast series serves as a valuable platform to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned from leading cities in the field of smart tourism. The podcast also aims to inspire other cities to embrace smart tourism principles and contribute to the EU's overall goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism across Europe.

Celebrating Smart Tourism: A Spotlight on Best Practices

The winning cities in the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition are given a platform to showcase their outstanding practices to the world. The report ´Leading Examples of Smart Tourism Practices in Europe’ for 2024 highlights the smart tourism initiatives implemented by applicants. This report provides valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in smart tourism and serves as a resource for other cities looking to implement similar initiatives. By sharing these examples, the EU is fostering a collaborative approach to smart tourism development, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience among cities across Europe.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Smart Tourism

The 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism award represents a key milestone in the EU's efforts to promote sustainable and innovative tourism. The competition has helped to drive the adoption of smart tourism practices across Europe, inspiring cities to embrace new technologies, embrace sustainability, and prioritize the quality of life of both residents and visitors. The award provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of cities leading the way in smart tourism, while also fostering a global dialogue on the future of tourism. As the finalists prepare to present their proposals to the European Jury, it is clear that the future of tourism is being shaped by cities that are embracing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. These cities are not only demonstrating their commitment to providing exceptional experiences for tourists but also to building a more resilient and sustainable future for their communities.