The European Commission announced the 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, celebrating tourism destinations leading in accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation and cultural heritage. Tampere (Finland) and Dubrovnik (Croatia) have been selected as the winners of the 2026 competition.
This year’s competitions saw an increase in participants from a wide range of countries. In total, 58 destinations from 22 countries competed for the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism titles. The 15 shortlisted destinations were invited to present their cases to the European Jury in Brussels, who selected the winners of both competitions.
Tampere stood out for its innovative practices, performing strongly across all four categories and presenting an interesting programme of activities planned for 2026. The city presented a balanced vision of sustainable growth by demonstrating how local wellbeing can benefit from tourism but also impressed with comprehensive storytelling and a clear legacy for the EU, positioning itself as a role model committed to sharing knowledge. Dubrovnik impressed the jury with its pioneering approach to sustainability and its potential to serve as a role model for other destinations. The city impressed with its comprehensive and data-driven tourism management and implementing actionable measures that not only engage local communities but also support long-term planning and sustainable visitor flows.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, stated: “Tourism is one of Europe’s most dynamic sectors and a cornerstone of our cultural and economic identity. By investing in sustainability and digital innovation, we are ensuring that Europe remains not only the world’s leading destination, but also the most responsible. This year’s winners embody this ambition, setting a high standard for smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive tourism across our Union.”
Source: European Commission
Tampere’s achievement is particularly meaningful for ERTICO, as the city is one of our valued Partners. Over the years, we have collaborated closely through several joint EU-funded initiatives - such as IN2CCAM, SHOW and others - working together to advance smart mobility, connected transport solutions and innovative approaches to urban development. Their recognition as a European Capital of Smart Tourism further highlights their commitment to forward-looking mobility strategies and reinforces the impact of our shared work.