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What?

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an annual recognition awarded by the European Commission. This year, 58 destinations from 22 different countries applied for the title. Fifteen destinations were selected as finalists, including Tampere.

The title is awarded to a city that demonstrates exceptional commitment to developing sustainable and innovative tourism.

Previous winners include Lyon, Helsinki, Malaga, Gothenburg, Dublin, Valencia, and Turin.

The evaluation is based on four themes: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and creativity.

Why did Tampere win?

Tampere’s victory was justified by the fact that the city stood out with its innovative practices and plans for sustainable growth. In addition, Tampere has strong concrete examples in all four categories:

    • Accessibility: Tampere is easy to reach within Finland due to its central location. The Nysse event ticket helps event visitors travel to events using public transport, and Outdoor Express provides access from Tampere city centre to national parks in the region. Tohloppi has an accessible nature trail and Pyynikki beach has an accessible swimming beach. The Tampere Tram is also accessible.
    • Digitalisation: The Tampere.Finland mobile app offers a wide range of tips and offers for both residents and visitors. The Pulssi service collects anonymised data and helps businesses in the city centre prepare for events, for example by anticipating increased demand, sufficient staffing, and opening hours. The Tampere 1918 exhibition at the Vapriikki Museum Centre was moved online, and the Cultural District digital map allows visitors to discover operators, attractions, events, and route suggestions on the west side of the Tammerkoski rapids and nearby areas.
    • Creativity: Tampere is home to the world’s only Moomin Museum, and since 2018 it has also been known as the Sauna Capital of the World.

What happens next?

The European Capital of Smart Tourism year will be launched in Tampere on March 11, when representatives of the European Commission will officially present the city with a statue resembling the theme’s symbol and discuss upcoming measures. The newly completed EU tourism strategy will also be part of the discussions.

This will begin a year of cooperation focused on developing key themes from the city’s perspective, such as the digitalisation of tourism and commercial solutions. Events and training opportunities will be organised for tourism businesses in Tampere and the surrounding region, and Tampere will also join EU-level networks focused on tourism development.

Now is the time to be proud of Europe’s Capital of Smart Tourism and make the most of this celebratory year!