The initiative recognises
outstanding achievements in
smart tourism in European cities.
Lyon and Helsinki proposed
attractive programmes of
activities for 2019 to celebrate
their titles as European Capitals
of Smart Tourism. They now act as
role models for other destinations
and are sharing best practices on
a number of platforms.IMAGES: AWL IMAGES, GETTY
The 2019 European Smart More info
Tourism Award winners:
Four other cities have also been spotlighted
under the initiative’s four major headings:
accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation and
cultural heritage and creativity.
Accessibility: Málaga has undergone mass
regeneration over the past couple of decades
and the Andalucian city has also been making
headway with accessibility for all — its bus
network has been overhauled to help travellers
with reduced mobility and sight; many
attractions ofer adapted tours; and there’s
special assistance at its main beaches.
Sustainability: A quick peek at Ljubljana and
it’s easy to see why the Slovenian capital has
made the grade in this award. Private cars are
banned in the city centre; a ifth of the urbansprawl is green space; and degraded areas
are being reimagined into local enterprise. All
this, plus a commitment to local and artisanal
produce in hotels and restaurants.
Digitalisation: Copenhagen’s social media
platforms provide a thorough chronicling of
the city, and at the Copenhagen Visitor Centre,
travellers can gaze at moving posters and
robotics, and slip on virtual reality goggles
to stare at its key sights, before heading out,
armed with its informative app.
Cultural heritage & creativity: The arts
scene in the Austrian city of Linz is thriving:
industrial spaces have been reimagined into
studios and galleries and leftield exhibitions
crop up in unusual spaces — even rooftops.
The city also hosts Ars Electronica, the world’s
leading festival of digital art.Mannerheimintie, Helsinki LyonPARTNER CONTENT FOR EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF SMART TOURISMTo ind out more, visit smarttourismcapital.eu/city or facebook.com/smarttourismcapital.eu