The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognises outstanding achievements by European cities as tourism destinations in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity. The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, successor of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition, rewards smaller destinations that have implemented successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices.

Smart Tourism is an EU initiative, currently financed under the Single Market Programme (SMP) - former COSME Programme. It is built on the successful experience of the Preparatory Action proposed by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Commission.

Torino (Italy) is the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism and Benidorm (Spain) is the 2025 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism

The European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism reward bigger and smaller European cities for outstanding, innovative and sustainable tourism practices.

Their aim is to promote innovation to strengthen smart and sustainable destinations in Europe, to enhance tourism offers for visitors and to facilitate new partnerships, networking and the exchange of best practice. We also aim to foster the EU’s forward-thinking tourism offer to global audiences and sustainably increase footfall at pioneering destinations that offer unique visitor experiences.

The initiative is managed by the European Commission Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. It is supported by the Single Market Programme and results from a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament.

The European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 aims to celebrate cities that combine technology with sustainability, accessibility, and culture to enhance the tourist experience. A panel of independent experts evaluated 32 cities from 12 countries, narrowing it down to seven outstanding finalists. These cities stand out for their strategic use of technology to create smarter, more accessible, and sustainable tourism environments.

The finalists for this prestigious award include:

Braga (Portugal)
Bruges (Belgium)
Brussels (Belgium)
Genoa (Italy)
Leipzig (Germany)
Regensburg (Germany)
Tampere (Finland)

These cities are making impressive strides in smart tourism, combining innovative digital tools with sustainability efforts to offer unique experiences for visitors. Each of these destinations is paving the way for a future where technology enhances tourism without compromising the environment or cultural heritage.

In addition to the European Capital of Smart Tourism, the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award is dedicated to cities that exemplify the spirit of sustainability and environmentally-friendly tourism. This competition focuses on smaller destinations that are leading the way in promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. From 26 applicants across 18 countries, eight cities have been selected as finalists.

The finalists for the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026 are:

Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Geestland (Germany)
Ibiza (Spain)
Laois (Ireland)
Mariagerfjord (Denmark)
Marmaris (Turkey)
Rebild (Denmark)
Tartu (Estonia)

These destinations have demonstrated outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism, from green initiatives and eco-tourism activities to preserving natural landscapes and reducing their carbon footprints. The focus is on cities that are embracing sustainability as the core of their tourism strategies.

All finalists will present their proposals to a jury of experts in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2025. This final evaluation will determine the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism and the Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. The jury will assess each city’s efforts in digital transformation, sustainability, and cultural engagement, ensuring that these destinations stand as role models for the future of tourism.