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European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026: open competition for EU cities and SMP

The European Commission has opened applications for the prestigious titles of European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism in 2026. Cities have the opportunity to stand out with innovative solutions in sustainability, digitalization, accessibility, and cultural heritage and creativity. The deadline for applications is 30 May 2025.

European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026: open competition for EU cities and SMP
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar/ arhiva (vlastita)

The European Commission has opened a call for prestigious titles European Smart Tourism Capital 2026. and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026., thereby recognizing and rewarding the outstanding achievements of European cities in innovative and sustainable tourism practices.


Smart Tourism Initiative


This European Union initiative aims to promote smart and sustainable tourism, networking destinations and facilitating the exchange of best practices. It focuses on four key categories:



  • Sustainable Development

  • Accessibility

  • Digitization

  • Cultural Heritage and Creativity


European Smart Tourism Capital 2026.


The call for the European Smart Tourism Capital is open to cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants from EU member states and countries participating in the Single Market Programme (SMP), such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. Cities that win this title will receive support in communication and branding, including the production of a promotional video and the placement of a sculpture with a hashtag at a prominent location in the city, thereby increasing their visibility on a European and international level.


European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026.


Parallel to this call, a call for the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026 has also been launched, which is intended for smaller sustainable tourism destinations with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 inhabitants. This award recognizes destinations that have successfully implemented strategies to promote sustainable tourism through green transition.


Application and Selection Process


Interested cities must submit their applications via an online form by May 30, 2025. presenting their innovative tourism practices. The applications will first be evaluated by a commission of independent experts, and cities that make it to the shortlist will be invited to present their candidacies before a European jury. The winners will be announced in November 2025.


Encouraging Participation and Promotion


All interested parties are invited to share information about these initiatives through their communication channels, such as websites and social networks. It is also recommended to contact the administrations of tourism destinations to encourage their participation in the calls, thereby further improving the tourism offer and the recognition of destinations at the European level.


Accommodation in Destinations


Cities that win the titles of European Smart Tourism Capital or European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism often experience an increase in tourist interest. Therefore, it is important that these destinations provide diverse and quality accommodation capacities to meet the needs of visitors. From luxury hotels to affordable hostels and private accommodations, a diverse offer can contribute to a better tourist experience and a positive perception of the destination.

More information: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/apply/european-capital-smart-tourism_en

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Creation time: 20 March, 2025

Tourism desk

Our Travel Desk was born out of a long-standing passion for travel, discovering new places, and serious journalism. Behind every article stand people who have been living tourism for decades – as travelers, tourism workers, guides, hosts, editors, and reporters. For more than thirty years, destinations, seasonal trends, infrastructure development, changes in travelers’ habits, and everything that turns a trip into an experience – and not just a ticket and an accommodation reservation – have been closely followed. These experiences are transformed into articles conceived as a companion to the reader: honest, informed, and always on the traveler’s side.

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