This week, the European Commission unveiled an inspiring array of smart and sustainable tourism practices showcased by cities participating in the prestigious 2024 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions.
The European Capital of Smart Tourism award recognizes cities for their outstanding achievements in accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage. Additionally, the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism honors smaller destinations for their remarkable accomplishments in sustainable tourism and green transition practices. The initiative urges destinations to undertake accessible and sustainable projects that involve local communities, addressing tourism seasonality and creating enhanced experiences for tourists through smarter and more sustainable travel practices.
The recently released reports, titled “Leading Examples of Smart Tourism Practices in Europe,” highlight innovative best practices in each category of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition (accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, cultural heritage, and creativity), along with green transition and sustainable practices from the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition.
Dublin (Ireland): 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism
Dublin stands out as a pioneer in smart tourism leadership. The city established a dedicated Culture Company, collaborating with communities, cultural organizations, businesses, and Dublin City Council to embed cultural experiences and increase cultural participation. The Dublin After Hours project supports the nightlife economy by extending museum and gallery hours, making cultural venues more accessible to a wider audience.
Setting a high standard for tourism digitalization, Dublin boasts the Dublinked open data platform, featuring over 600 datasets with extensive tourism information. Leveraging this data, the city enhances tourism experiences through digital city kiosks that provide information on attractions, activities, and accommodation, facilitating improved navigation for visitors.
Grosseto (Italy): 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism
Grosseto’s tourism strategy revolves around the preservation of nature and traditions. The Regional Park of Maremma, a protected area, is utilized for agro-tourism activities, cultural events, archaeological research, and sustainable tourism projects. The Municipality of Grosseto introduces sustainability to children through outdoor classroom experiences, where thematic workshops and guided tours educate children about local nature.
To prolong the tourist season, Grosseto offers free guided tours known as ‘Raccontare Grosseto,’ engaging residents and tourists in exploring the city and surrounding areas at a leisurely pace, promoting walking and cycling. These tours include visits to small villages, allowing tourists to savor local wines and food.
Dublin and Grosseto at ITB 2024
The 2024 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism will kick off their exciting program at the ITB travel trade show in Berlin. Representatives from Dublin and Grosseto will be present at the Smart Tourism stand from March 5-7, 2024 (Hall 18, Stand 505). On March 6, a representative from Dublin will share insights on Smart City Management, while Grosseto’s representative will participate in a panel discussion about rural destinations as part of the ITB Congress.
Smart tourism responds to new challenges in a rapidly changing sector, meeting the expectations of digital information, equal opportunities for all visitors, sustainable local development, and support for creative industries and local talent.
In 2023, Dublin and Grosseto were selected as the European Capital of Smart Tourism and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, respectively, out of 40 destinations across 21 countries. The European Commission’s initiative continues to encourage and recognize destinations that pioneer smart and sustainable tourism practices.
Explore the smart tourism experiences offered by Dublin and Grosseto as they continue to develop and expand upon their innovative initiatives.
