This year, the European Commission awarded the first European Capitals of Smart Tourism. This title rewards cities for outstanding achievements in “smart tourism” – in other words, cities whose tourism infrastructure is innovative, accessible, and sustainable. Of the 38 cities that applied to be named the 2019 European Capital of Smart Tourism, the winning cities were ICLEI Member Helsinki (Finland), as well as Lyon (France).

The 38 applications each described implemented projects and initiatives that represent best practices in smart tourism. A selection of 85 such examples has been compiled into a Compendium of Best Practices that serves to demonstrate how smart tourism is already being applied across Europe, in order to inspire similar action in other cities, and to facilitate knowledge exchange between cities.

The compiled initiatives span best practices in: accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity.

ICLEI Members are prominently represented in the compendium. Members Linz (Austria), Brussels (Belgium), Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), Nantes (France), and Ljubljana (Slovenia) all have initiatives featured in one or more categories.

Be inspired by innovative smart tourism solutions, and read the full compendium here.