News
03 September 2025
European Commission Names Cities Competing for 2026 Smart and Green Tourism Awards
News
03 September 2025
Adventure tourism
Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism
Cultural tourism
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The European Commission has announced the cities vying for the prestigious 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism awards. These awards aim to spotlight cities excelling in innovative and sustainable tourism practices across Europe.
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
Topics
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Türkiye
Academic / Research and VET Institutions
Business Support Organisation
Company with 250 or more employees
Cluster Organisations
Consumer Organisations
Cultural and Heritage Organisations
Destination Management & Marketing Organisations
EU Institutions
Financial Institutions and Investors
Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce
International Organisations
Local Authorities
Media / Journalist Organisations
National authorities
Networks and Federations / Confederations
NGOs / Non-profits
Notified Bodies
Regional Authorities
SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)
Social Economy Entity
Trade Unions
Other
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Specific types of tourism
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Adventure tourism
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Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism
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Cultural tourism
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Ecotourism
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Education tourism
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Festival tourism
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Gastronomy tourism
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Health and medical tourism
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MICE tourism
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Mountain tourism
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Religious tourism
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Rural tourism
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Sports tourism
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Urban/city tourism
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Wellness tourism
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Transition Pathway Strategic Areas
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Governance of tourism destinations
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R&I on climate-friendly tourism
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Tourism strategies
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Business activities
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Activities of amusement parks and theme parks
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Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism
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Air passenger transport
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Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks
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Events catering and other food services
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Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities
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Gardens and nature reserves activities
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Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation
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Hotel and similar accommodation
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Mobile beverage services
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Mobile food services
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Museums
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Operation of historical sites
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Other
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Other accommodation
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Other amusement and recreation activities
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Other food and beverage services
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Other holiday reservation services
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Other tourism transportation activities
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Rail Passenger transport
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Recreational and sport activities
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Restaurants, cafes and bars (Food and Beverage serving activities)
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Road passenger transport
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Tour operator activities
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Travel agency activities
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Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport
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On 2 September 2025, the European Commission revealed the shortlisted cities for the 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism awards, recognizing excellence in sustainable tourism practices.
Seven cities—Braga, Bruges, Brussels, Genoa, Leipzig, Regensburg, and Tampere—are finalists for the Smart Tourism title, while Dubrovnik, Geestland, Ibiza, Laois, Mariagerfjord, Marmaris, Rebild, and Tartu are in the running for the Green Pioneer award. An expert evaluation and presentations in Brussels this November will decide the winners, who will gain global exposure through strategic promotional support. These initiatives highlight the significance of sustainable tourism and encourage knowledge sharing among European cities.
Discover the detailed profiles of each finalist and their innovative tourism practices by following the link on the left-hand side of the platform.
#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Smart tourism #Climate-friendly tourism practices #Sustainable destinations #EU Tourism Strategy
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