Tampere – Finland’s second largest city; the sauna capital of the world, and the home of the world’s only Moomin museum – has been chosen as the winner of the European Capital of Smart Tourism Award for 2026, which is given to a city that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to developing sustainable and innovative tourism.
The European Commission selected Tampere from a shortlist of seven finalists – Braga (Portugal), Bruges (Belgium), Brussels (Belgium), Genoa (Italy), Leipzig (Germany) and Regensburg (Germany). The winner was chosen by a European jury.
Tampere was recognised for its forward-thinking strategies and commitment to sustainable development within its tourism sector. The city impressed the jury by showcasing how tourism can contribute positively to local wellbeing and by demonstrating a dedication to knowledge-sharing with other destinations.
The news will undoubtedly enhance the city’s already exceptional appeal and tourism offerings and an exciting programme of activities is planned for its tenure as the European Capital of Smart Tourism.
Tampere’s solutions were presented to the jury in Brussels by Teppo Rantanen, Executive Director of Economic Policy, Competitiveness and Innovation for the City of Tampere, and Heli Jokela, Director of Marketing and Communications at Visit Tampere.
Commenting on the award Teppo Rantanen said: “Tampere has a strong foundation in sustainable development, smart city solutions that support both residents and visitors, and a vibrant cultural scene. We work extensively with European partners, and co-creation of innovations is part of our way of working. This award is a wonderful recognition of our efforts and a great opportunity for future collaborations.”
Tampere’s successful application for European City of Smart Tourism highlighted several key areas. These included the city’s significant climate initiatives, such as providing sustainability tools for local businesses, and its remarkable jump from 23rd to 6th in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. The application also showcased smart tourism offerings, such as the Outdoor Express service for accessing nature spots, the Tampere.Finland mobile app, and various smart city solutions that integrate both physical and digital spaces. Distinctive cultural aspects, notably the city’s role as the Sauna Capital of the World and the Moomins, were also featured.
Heli Jokela, Director of Marketing and Communications at Visit Tampere sees the opportunity to progress further in 2026.
“Being named the European Capital of Smart Tourism allows us to increase Tampere’s recognition among both existing and new target groups. It also brings credibility and new contacts for Europe-wide projects and networks in which we are already active. We certainly do not yet see all the opportunities ahead, but we are excited to develop our work even further during this themed year.”
As the winning city, Tampere will receive significant communication and branding support to increase visibility at the EU level and internationally. The award also aims to strengthen networking and the sharing of best practices among smart tourism destinations, thereby promoting innovation in European tourism.
Tampere is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s most unique cities, making it a compelling year-round destination. It is sure to be on the list of top places to visit in 2026.
