1 minute read / November 21, 2025
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.
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.
