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European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism

Sliven - shortlisted in the 2025 Green Pioneer Competition

Sliven, Bulgaria, known for its rich history, natural parks, and mineral springs, has worked strategically to enhance its tourism offerings while fostering sustainability and innovation.

Pioneering green transition

Sliven’s green transition has transformed the city into a model of eco-friendly tourism. Major projects have revitalised the city’s infrastructure, incorporating energy efficiency into historical sites, while introducing smart urban mobility solutions. The city’s cable car to Sinite Kamani Nature Park and new electric buses make it easy for tourists to explore its natural wonders sustainably. This emphasis on green infrastructure and smart transport not only reduces the city’s carbon footprint but also enhances the tourist experience.

The city’s tourism development plan, embedded in the 2021–2027 local strategy, highlights sustainable tourism as a cornerstone for socio-economic growth. From modernising pedestrian zones to implementing energy-efficient measures across municipal buildings, Sliven’s vision of sustainability extends to every corner of the city. Digital tools, such as virtual and augmented reality applications, further elevate the tourism experience by allowing visitors to explore local landmarks and cultural sites in innovative ways.

Sliven

Cultural and Historical Integration

Sliven seamlessly integrates its cultural heritage into its sustainable tourism strategy. The restoration of the Tuida Fortress and the development of thematic tourist itineraries have enriched the city’s historical offerings. Interactive digital displays, multilingual audio guides, and augmented reality apps provide tourists with an immersive way to engage with the city’s artefacts and stories. 

sliven

Community Engagement and Local Development

Sliven’s green transition has had a profound impact on its local economy and workforce. The sustainable development of tourism has boosted local businesses and created job opportunities, particularly for young people. Educational institutions now offer training programmes to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to support the city’s growing tourism sector.

As part of a holistic approach, the collaborative efforts of businesses, NGOs, academia, and local authorities ensure that Sliven’s green practices are not only innovative but also inclusive to everyone.