The 2025 edition of the European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions has been launched by the European Commission. European tourism destinations are encouraged to showcase their smart and sustainable tourism practices to establish themselves as influential models in the field of European tourism.
Tourism, being the third largest eco-system in the European Union, is vital for economic growth and employment opportunities. The Smart Tourism program acknowledges cities that adopt innovative digital strategies to provide equal access and opportunities for visitors, foster sustainable development, and promote creative industries and local talent. Through these competitions, the European Commission encourages and honors the advancement of smart and sustainable tourism in Europe.
To be eligible for the 2025 titles, cities must showcase their innovative tourism strategies and apply through an online form. A group of independent experts will assess the applications initially. Shortlisted cities will then have the opportunity to present their candidacy to the European Jury. In November 2024, the European Jury will announce the winners of the ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025’ and the ‘European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025’, selecting two cities for these prestigious titles.
Both contests accept entries from cities in the EU and non-EU countries participating in the Single Market Program (SMP), which was formerly known as the COSME Program.
European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 – Smart gets you further
The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition has a successful track record. The 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism is the sixth edition of the competition. Dublin was chosen as the 2024 Smart Capital. prior winners include Pafos and Seville as 2023 Capitals, Bordeaux and València as the 2022 Capitals, Gothenburg and Málaga as the 2020 Capitals, and Helsinki and Lyon as the winners of the inaugural competition and holders of the 2019 titles. Starting in 2024, there is only one winner of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition due to a change in competition rules, while previous editions had two winners each year.
Throughout 2025, the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 will receive communication and branding assistance to showcase its exceptional smart and innovative practices, which led to its victory. This support will involve creating a promotional video, installing a prominent hashtag sculpture, organizing various promotional activities, and gaining visibility at both EU and international levels. Moreover, the winner will have the opportunity to join a vibrant network of smart destinations that were shortlisted in the competition’s previous five editions, enabling the exchange of best practices and mutual learning.
The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition is open to cities with a population of over 100.000.
Dublin Named 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism
European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 – Green leads the way
The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is the next iteration of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition. The European Commission initiated the EDEN competition in 2007 to recognize emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe that deviate from traditional norms.
The competition is based on the idea of fostering the growth of sustainable tourism in smaller locations that contribute to the economy, the environment, and the community. Winning the title of European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 will inspire other tourist destinations in Europe, boost the reputation of the winning city as a top travel spot, attract tourists, and stimulate sustainable economic development.
The Green Pioneer competition is open to cities with a population between 25.000 – 100.000.SOURCE: 2025 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Launched BY: eTurboNews | eTN
