Dublin won the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award because at the heart of every decision made by the team was one question; ‘Will the people living within Dublin city and tourist visitors benefit from this decision?’ This approach informed the project we delivered and help create the city’s first and vital Tourism Strategy. Dublin’s smart tourism story is one of eternal hope, disappointing failure, and willingness to embrace change. I would sincerely encourage any European city to apply for this award, because once you make a submission you will be brought into the orbit of inspirational people from other cities, and I promise you, you and your colleagues will be inspired.
For Seville, being European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2023 has allowed it to consolidate itself as an innovative and sustainable destination, improving its urban infrastructure and strengthening its presence on the European tourism scene. During that year, the city participated in national and international congresses to share experiences and create synergies.
Taking part in the European Capital of Smart Tourism adventure is an exceptional opportunity to share and learn from our neighbours’ best practices. For the time of a year, your destination will be in the spotlight, showcasing the projects you have invested so much energy in creating to bring about positive change.
To us, rankings, and competitions like these are all about driving change and sharing best practice. The application process was an opportunity of a new benchmark and catalyst for a visionary and long-term destination development process regarding Smart Tourism.
The four categories of Smart Tourism coincided with identified development needs for Gothenburg. We now continue to follow the development and take part in our colleagues' great work across Europe.
As the first European Capital of Smart Tourism, alongside Lyon, Helsinki has had the opportunity to engage in a network of like-minded cities and collaborate with leading Smart Tourism destinations for the past six years. When it comes to sustainable tourism development in Europe, strong and innovative cooperation is the only way forward.
