European Cities Shortlisted for Smart and Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026 Announced by Commission
On September 3, 2025, the European Commission officially announced the cities that have made it to the final stage of the prestigious 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism awards. These awards honor cities exhibiting a tremendous commitment to smart tourism and sustainability, bringing together innovation and ecological consciousness. Out of an impressive 32 candidates put forth by 12 nations, seven cities have been recognized for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism award. The finalists are Braga (Portugal), Bruges (Belgium), Brussels (Belgium), Genoa (Italy), Leipzig (Germany), Regensburg (Germany), and Tampere (Finland). Selected for their outstanding approaches in utilizing technology, enhancing accessibility, promoting digitalization, and prioritizing cultural heritage, these cities will compete to claim the title.
In addition, the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award unveiled its finalists from a pool of 26 applicants across 18 countries. The eight recognized cities include Dubrovnik (Croatia), Geestland (Germany), Ibiza (Spain), Laois (Ireland), Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Marmaris (Türkiye), Rebild (Denmark), and Tartu (Estonia). This award acknowledges cities that excel in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
The evaluation process for both competitions was rigorous, led by independent experts who assessed each city's proposals based on predetermined criteria. Due to the high caliber of submissions, the { competition deadlines were extended from four to seven finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism award and from four to eight for the European Green Pioneer award. All shortlisted cities are set to present their strategies to a European jury in Brussels on November 18 and 19, 2025. The winners will then be announced.
Winning these awards offer significant benefits to the selected cities, including extensive communication and branding support. This includes the development of a promotional video, the establishment of a hashtag sculpture within the city, and the execution of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at enhancing visibility on both EU and global stages.
Launched in 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative aims to recognize cities that excel in various domains, including accessibility, digital advancement, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Former winners include cities like Torino (2025), Dublin (2024), and Seville (2023).
The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative came to replace the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition, aiming to promote smaller, sustainable tourism destinations. Notable winners from this track include Benidorm (2025) and Grosseto (2024).
The European Commission encourages all EU cities to participate and explore their potential in establishing themselves as leaders in smart tourism. To follow updates about these initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website or engage with them on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, or LinkedIn. Following these developments will highlight how cities globally can learn from each other and grow through sustainable tourism practices.
In addition, the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award unveiled its finalists from a pool of 26 applicants across 18 countries. The eight recognized cities include Dubrovnik (Croatia), Geestland (Germany), Ibiza (Spain), Laois (Ireland), Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Marmaris (Türkiye), Rebild (Denmark), and Tartu (Estonia). This award acknowledges cities that excel in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
The evaluation process for both competitions was rigorous, led by independent experts who assessed each city's proposals based on predetermined criteria. Due to the high caliber of submissions, the { competition deadlines were extended from four to seven finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism award and from four to eight for the European Green Pioneer award. All shortlisted cities are set to present their strategies to a European jury in Brussels on November 18 and 19, 2025. The winners will then be announced.
Winning these awards offer significant benefits to the selected cities, including extensive communication and branding support. This includes the development of a promotional video, the establishment of a hashtag sculpture within the city, and the execution of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at enhancing visibility on both EU and global stages.
Launched in 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative aims to recognize cities that excel in various domains, including accessibility, digital advancement, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Former winners include cities like Torino (2025), Dublin (2024), and Seville (2023).
The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative came to replace the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition, aiming to promote smaller, sustainable tourism destinations. Notable winners from this track include Benidorm (2025) and Grosseto (2024).
The European Commission encourages all EU cities to participate and explore their potential in establishing themselves as leaders in smart tourism. To follow updates about these initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website or engage with them on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, or LinkedIn. Following these developments will highlight how cities globally can learn from each other and grow through sustainable tourism practices.
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