The next step is for the finalists to present their proposals to a jury made up of independent experts.
“The chosen city will receive extensive support in communication and branding,” with the award including the “creation of a promotional video, installation of a hashtag sculpture for public exhibition in the city and the implementation of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at boosting visibility at both the EU and global levels”, which the Commission said would see visitor numbers increase.
Starting in 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition has provided a platform to highlight exceptional practices and achievements. It rewards cities for their innovative approaches in areas such as accessibility, digitalisation, sustainability and cultural heritage and creativity.Previous winners include Seville and Pafos in 2023, València and Bordeaux in 2022 and Málaga and Gothenburg in 2020.
“These cities have emerged as exemplary models for smart tourism in Europe, earning prominent international rankings for sustainability, innovation, quality of life and the effective incorporation of smart strategies,” the European Commission said.