The European Commission has opened applications for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions, inviting cities across Europe to showcase their innovative smart and sustainable tourism practices.
These initiatives highlight tourism’s crucial role in economic growth and job creation, recognising cities that implement digital tools promoting sustainability, accessibility, and creativity.
European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 – Smart Gets You Further
This award honours cities excelling in sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity. Torino has been named the 2025 winner, following cities like Dublin (2024), Pafos and Seville (2023), Bordeaux and València (2022), Gothenburg and Málaga (2020), and Helsinki and Lyon (2019). Since 2024, there has been a single winner each year, following rule changes.
Cities with populations over 100,000 are eligible to apply. Applications will first be reviewed by independent experts, with shortlisted cities presenting their candidacies to the European Jury. The winners will be announced in November 2025.
Apply here: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/apply/european-capital-smart-tourism_en
European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026
This competition celebrates emerging sustainable tourism destinations in smaller cities (25,000-100,000 population) that have embraced green transition practices.
Apply here: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/apply/european-green-pioneer-smart-tourism_en
Benefits for Winners
Winners will receive communication and branding support, including a promotional video, a hashtag sculpture, and international visibility. They will also join a network of smart destinations to exchange best practices.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025 at 17:00 CET
https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/apply_en
