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European Commission Announces 2027 European Capitals of Tourism Competition

On April 7, 2026, the European Commission officially launched the 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism competition. This initiative invites cities across Europe to demonstrate their innovative approaches to sustainable and smart tourism solutions. With tourism being one of the EU's biggest economic sectors, the competition emphasizes its crucial role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities across the continent.

A Platform for Innovation in Tourism

The competition aims to recognize and reward cities that have implemented outstanding practices in tourism management, focusing on key aspects such as digitalization, accessibility, and the support of cultural heritage and local talent. Eligible cities are encouraged to submit applications showcasing their contributions and innovations that propel sustainable tourism.

The application process, which is entirely online, will be assessed by independent experts who will evaluate the submissions. The shortlisted cities will then present their cases to a European Jury, which will ultimately decide on the two winning cities that will each earn the title of 'European Capitals of Tourism 2027'. The winners will be publicly announced in November 2026.

Categories for Participation

Cities can apply in one of two categories:

• - Category 1: For cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, focusing on sustainability, digital practices, and cultural creativity.
• - Category 2: For smaller cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, recognizing their commitment to leading sustainable tourism through eco-friendly practices.

Both title holders will significantly benefit from EU-level promotion, highlighting their achievements through promotional videos, social media hashtags, and elevated international visibility. Moreover, winners will join a valuable network of premier tourism destinations, allowing for the exchange of best practices among peers.

Eligibility and Application Details

The competition is open not only to cities from the 27 EU Member States, but also to countries participating in the Single Market Programme (SMP). This includes non-EU countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine.

The deadline for application submissions is set for June 12, 2026, at 17:00 CEST. Interested cities are encouraged to consult the respective Guides for Applicants tailored for each category, ensuring they meet the competition's criteria effectively.

Stay Updated

For ongoing updates about the European Capitals of Tourism initiative, interested parties can follow official channels including the project's website and social media platforms such as X and LinkedIn, as well as subscribe to its podcast series available on Spotify and Amazon Music.

This competition not only highlights the innovative approaches to tourism within Europe but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable practices and fostering community engagement. As cities gear up for this exciting opportunity, the spotlight will shine on those leading the charge towards a greener, more accessible tourism future.