Torino - 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

The city's transformation from an industrial hub to a vibrant cultural destination is an example of smart urban regeneration. Iconic sites such as the Lingotto Car Factory and OGR-Officine Grandi Riparazioni have been repurposed into cultural venues, demonstrating the city’s commitment to blending history with modern innovation. Torino’s inclusion in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme highlights its commitment to preserving natural resources while promoting sustainable development. Visitors can also experience the city’s distinctive culinary scene, rooted in local traditions such as Slow Food, while the TorinoMercati app, which promotes street markets, adds a technological twist to preserving these cherished practices.

Torino has taken steps to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through its Climate City Contract, a commitment to climate adaptation and low-carbon mobility. The city’s green initiatives, such as transforming former industrial areas into green spaces and improving public transport, demonstrate a strategic approach to sustainable tourism and urban planning. A standout initiative is the Neighbourhood Houses project, which engages residents in shaping their communities, making tourism and cultural experiences more inclusive.

The city’s public transport system, with 100% accessible buses and metro stations, is a model of inclusivity. Torino’s museums co-create sensory experiences for visitors with disabilities, making cultural spaces more welcoming. The Turismabile platform, launched in 2007, is a prime example of Torino’s commitment to accessible travel, providing multilingual information and working with disability organisations to ensure that all visitors can enjoy what the city has to offer.

As a forward-thinking city, Torino is at the forefront of using technology to improve both tourism and everyday life. Through projects like 5G-Tours and NETA (Navigation Exploring Tourist Assistance), Torino is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) into its cultural offerings, allowing visitors to experience the city in a unique and immersive way. The development of digital platforms, such as an integrated mobility app, further reflects Torino’s commitment to making both culture and city services accessible to all.

Torino is home to a wealth of cultural assets, with notable institutions such as the Egyptian Museum - the second largest of its kind globally - attracting visitors from all over the world. The city’s cultural strategy includes numerous festivals celebrating cinema, literature, and music, some of which date back decades. With a strong emphasis on community participation, Torino’s creative industries have flourished, offering a diverse range of experiences from contemporary art exhibitions to the preservation of historic sites.