Description
5 July is the deadline for the calls for entries for the two competitions - European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024.
The two initiatives allow EU and non-EU cities to apply for a prize, which consists of one year of branding and communication support, as well as the inclusion of the selected cities in the Green City/Smart Tourism Map.
Some detailed information
European Smart Tourism Capital - for cities with between 5,000 and 100,000 inhabitants.
A Smart Tourism City is defined as a city that works to develop these 4 pillars
1. Sustainability: the city offers a rich and personalised tourism experience through the enhancement of local assets, respecting and involving local communities. Therefore, it should work to preserve and enhance the environment and resources: natural while maintaining a balance between economic development and socio-cultural development.
2. Digitisation: the city implements innovative, intelligent and inclusive solutions in the field of tourism and will have to offer an innovative system of tourist and hospitality-related information, products, services, spaces and experiences, designed around the needs of consumers by means of ICT-based digital solutions and tools.
3. Cultural heritage: use its territorial, social and human capital for the growth of the tourism sector, the prosperity of the city and a better quality of life for its inhabitants. The city should make full and imaginative use of its cultural heritage and creativity industry for a rich and unique tourism experience.
4. Accessibility: the city facilitates access to tourist services and products through new technologies, interconnection and interoperability of services. The city is physically accessible to travellers with special needs, regardless of age, economic or social situation, with or without disabilities. Easily accessible by various means of transport and equipped with a functional and efficient internal transport network
Europe's green pioneer city of smart tourism - for cities between 25,000 and 100,000 inhabitants.
- Implements ecological transition solutions to become a sustainable tourism destination.
- Manages/protects its natural resources with full respect for the environment and biodiversity.
- Utilises its territorial, social and human capital for the growth of the tourism sector, the prosperity of the city and a better quality of life for its inhabitants
Here https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.e u/guide-applicants_en the guidelines for those who wish to apply.
Source: European Commission Representation in Italy
Image: European Commission