In a change to previous editions, this year there will be only one winning city in the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 competition. Additionally, the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is now the successor of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition.

The European Commission announces the competitions for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, inviting communities to submit their best examples of sustainable and smart tourism practices across Europe. According to a press statement, with a 10 pc GDP share, tourism is the third-largest socio economic sector in the EU. Despite playing a significant part in creating growth and jobs, the sector still has unrealised potential, particularly in the field of intelligent and sustainable tourism.

The statement says that in a change to previous editions, this year there will be only one winning city in the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024 competition. Additionally, the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is now the successor of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition. The European Commission wants to keep European tourism at the forefront of innovation, accessibility, and sustainability.

It adds that in order to compete for the 2024 titles, cities have to demonstrate their innovative tourism practices. Shortlisted cities will be asked to present their city’s candidature in front of the European Jury, who will select two winners, the ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024’ and the ‘European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024’. Both competitions are open to cities across both the EU, as well as the non-EU countries that take part in the COSME and Single Market programmes.

It goes on to say that the competition’s fifth iteration will take place in 2024 as the European Capital of Smart Tourism. It will profit from ongoing branding and communication support that will highlight the excellent smart and creative strategies that helped it succeed.

The statement adds that the European Commission first launched the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition in 2007 to recognise new, unconventional sustainable travel destinations in Europe. The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is the competition’s successor, with a guiding philosophy of encouraging the growth of sustainable tourism in less well-known locations that benefits the local community, the environment, and the economy. The winning city will be able to inspire other tourist locations in Europe, raise its profile as a top travel destination, draw tourists, and foster sustainable economic growth as a result of being named the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2024.