Leading examples of Smart and Sustainable Tourism Practices in Europe

This collection of best practices has been derived from the applications that destinations submitted to the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition. The report showcases the selection of best practices in sustainable tourism and solely presents and relies on the data that the cities submitted in their applications.

3. PRESENTING BEST PRACTICES

3.1 NATURE PROTECTION

• 3.1.1 Biodiversity monitoring and protection; Acipayam (Türkiye):
• 3.1.2 Marine ecosystem protection; Agia Napa (Cyprus):
• 3.1.3 Protecting unique natural resources; Ibiza (Spain):
• 3.1.4 Gouras Stream Management project, Igoumenitsa (Greece):
• 3.1.5 Natural site protection and enhancement; Jelgava (Latvia):
• 3.1.6 The Greenway Valle Restoration Project, Spoleto (Italy):
• 3.1.7 Improving water quality; Raseborg (Finland):
• 3.1.8 Conservation of Serras do Porto Park; Valongo (Portugal):
• 3.1.9 Protecting green spaces in the city; Wels (Austria):

3.2 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• 3.2.1 Energy efficiency improvement, Hersonisos (Greece):
• 3.2.2 Implementing resource efficiency measures; Ibiza (Spain):
• 3.2.3 Water Resource Efficiency, Jelgava (Latvia):
• 3.2.4 Water saving practices; Kiskunhalas (Hungary):
• 3.2.5 Industrial Climate Innovation; Mariagerfjord (Denmark):
• 3.2.6 Resource Efficiency and Circular Innovation; Rebild (Denmark):
• 3.2.7 Resource efficiency measures; Tartu (Estonia):
• 3.2.8 Green energy; Tauragė (Lithuania):
• 3.2.9 Alternative energy; Wels (Austria):

3.3 COMBATING AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

• 3.3.1 Climate change action; Dubrovnik (Croatia):
• 3.3.2 Climate adaptation plan; Marmaris (Türkiye):
• 3.3.3 Green Prilep 2030 Vision; Prilep (North Macedonia):
• 3.3.4 Climate action strategy; Raseborg (Finland):

3.4 SMART TOURISM MANAGEMENT

• 3.4.1 Visitor flow management; Dubrovnik (Croatia):
• 3.4.2 Eco-Conscious Hospitality & Accommodation; Prilep (North Macedonia):
• 3.4.3 Balanced tourism strategy; Wetzlar (Germany):

3.5 MITIGATING TOURISM SEASONALITY

• 3.5.1 Winter tourism; Agia Napa (Cyprus):
• 3.5.2 Addressing Tourism Seasonality; Ibiza (Spain):
• 3.5.3 Expanding the tourism offer; Lika (Croatia):
• 3.5.4 Balanced economic performance and seasonality management; Marmaris (Türkiye):
• 3.5.5 Creating year-round tourism; Rovaniemi (Finland):

3.6 GREEN TOURISM AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

• 3.6.1 Authentic nature experiences; Geestland (Germany):
• 3.6.2 Immersive leadership and experiences in nature; Rebild (Denmark):

3.7 ENGAGING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

• 3.7.1 Plastic-free beaches; Agia Napa (Cyprus):
• 3.7.2 Abbeyleix Bog community conservation; Laois (Ireland):
• 3.7.3 Community engagement driving sustainability; Mariagerfjord (Denmark):
• 3.7.4 Community involvement and social inclusion; Marmaris (Türkiye):
• 3.7.5 Community- based climate project; Rebild (Denmark):
• 3.7.6 Tourism with resident input; Rovaniemi (Finland):

3.8 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

• 3.8.1 Green activities and education; Geestland (Germany):
• 3.8.2 Community educational programme; Igoumenitsa (Greece):
• 3.8.3 Sustainability education for visitors; Tauragė (Lithuania):
• 3.8.4 World Sustainable Energy Days, Wels (Austria):

3.9 SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

• 3.9.1 Making the city greener; Dubrovnik (Croatia):
• 3.9.2 Pedestrian-focused city; Dubrovnik (Croatia):
• 3.9.3 Town in a Garden project, Laois (Ireland):
• 3.9.4 Sustainable street Lighting Upgrade; Tauragė (Lithuania):
• 3.9.5 Old town framework plan; Wetzlar (Germany):

3.10 SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY OPTIONS

• 3.10.1 Autonomous electric transport; Geestland (Germany):
• 3.10.2 Low emission travel; Mariagerfjord (Denmark):
• 3.10.3 Low emission transport; Tartu (Estonia):

3.11 PROMOTION OF CYCLING AND WALKING

• 3.11.1 Bike-Sharing System; Agia Napa (Cyprus):
• 3.11.2 Panorama Route; Mariagerfjord (Denmark):
• 3.11.3 Slow tourism and nature; Spoleto (Italy):
• 3.11.4 Promoting cycling; Wels (Austria):

3.12 PROMOTION OF LOCAL CULTURE

• 3.12.1 Protecting local cultural heritage; Dubrovnik (Croatia):
• 3.12.2 Promotion of local products; Lika (Croatia):
• 3.12.3 Creating a vibrant local life; Tartu (Estonia):

3.13 DIGITALISATION

• 3.13.1 Integral Quality Management, Lika (Croatia):
• 3.13.2 Urban data platform; Wetzlar (Germany):

 

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