Tampere kicks off its European Capital of Smart Tourism year

The European Capital of Smart Tourism title, an initiative of the European Commission, is awarded to cities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing innovative tourism practices. Tampere earned the title thanks to its predictive digital services, sustainable tourism initiatives and rich intangible cultural heritage.

‘Tampere was selected as the European Capital of Smart Tourism because it stood out in the competition for the way it brings together accessibility, cultural heritage, and digital innovation to enhance the visitor experience. The city combines ambitious local initiatives with inclusive access to nature and culture, and smart digital services that benefit both visitors and residents. Experiences like Tampere’s will also help inform the EU’s upcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy, as we work with destinations across Europe to support innovative, resilient and high-quality tourism’, states Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission. 

The celebration was marked by a visit from a delegation of the European Commission and an official handover of the award. The city also used the occasion to introduce local businesses and partner destinations across Finland to its programme of events, sharing best practices in smart tourism and fostering future collaboration across the country. The award offers Tampere the opportunity to strengthen its position as an international tourism destination, showcasing its unique culture and smart practices. 

‘The international visibility that comes with winning this title is invaluable for Tampere. It allows us to showcase key highlights, such as the Moomins and our saunas, as tourism attractions that combine nature and urban culture. The city is continuously launching new initiatives and developing smart tourism themes’, says Jari Ahjoharju, CEO of Visit Tampere.

The European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions recognise and reward destinations that are leading the shift towards more sustainable, inclusive and innovative tourism practices. To discover the latest smart tourism practices, listen to the ‘Smart gets you further’ podcast here. For the latest updates on the European Smart Tourism, follow us on our website, Facebook, X, Linkedin, and subscribe to our newsletter.