Following an independent expert evaluation of applications from across Europe, the European Commission has shortlisted 16 cities for the 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism competition, which merges the former European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism titles. In the category for cities over 100,000 inhabitants (43 applicants from 18 countries), the shortlist includes Aalborg (Denmark), Braga (Portugal), Genoa (Italy), Konya (Türkiye), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Lviv (Ukraine), Salzburg (Austria) and Sofia (Bulgaria). In the category for smaller destinations of 25,000-100,000 inhabitants (40 applicants from 17 countries), the shortlist includes Calais (France), Calvià (Spain), Geestland (Germany), Ibiza (Spain), Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Sandanski (Bulgaria), Selçuk (Türkiye) and Zadar (Croatia). Cities were assessed on sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and support for cultural heritage and local talent. Shortlisted cities will present their candidatures to a European jury in Brussels on 18-19 November 2026, after which two winners will be announced.

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