Smart Tourism 2026: Europe chooses Tampere and Dubrovnik
From the lakes of Finland to the Croatian Adriatic coast, the Europe of tourism looks to the future with two distinct but complementary models. Tampere and Dubrovnik have been awarded the titles of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026, awards promoted by the European Commission to enhance destinations that focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusion.
Two cities different in geography and identity, but united by a clear vision: to combine tourist development, quality of life and environmental protection.
Tampere: accessible nature and digital innovation
Located between lakes and forests, Tampere has built its tourism strategy with nature at the center. The Finnish city promotes activities with a low environmental impact and guarantees easy access to natural spaces through inclusive infrastructures: accessible beaches, barrier-free paths and equipped camping areas.
The "Outdoor Express" service connects the urban center to the national parks, allowing people with disabilities, the elderly and families with children to experience the Nordic landscape safely and independently.
Alongside environmental sustainability, Tampere invests in digital innovation. The "Tampere Pulse" system uses predictive analytics to monitor and predict tourist flows, integrating data on traffic, weather and events. A tool that improves urban management, supports local businesses and allows visitors to plan the experience while avoiding overcrowding.
Dubrovnik: Balance between tourism and UNESCO protection
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik has embarked on a path of sustainable management to balance high tourist demand with the preservation of the Old Town.
Through the "Respect the City" initiative, the destination has introduced policies aimed at regulating flows, particularly in the cruise segment, and has developed tools such as the "Dubrovnik Pass" to better distribute attendance and support cultural preservation.
The "Old City Management Plan" protects the universal value of the site, while sustainable mobility interventions and green redevelopment projects improve public spaces and reduce environmental impact. The result is an integrated model in which tourism development and heritage protection coexist in balance.
The titles awarded to Tampere and Dubrovnik highlight a structural transformation of European tourism: less pressure on territories, greater quality of experience, centrality of the local community and intelligent use of data.
In 2026, the two cities will officially present their best practices on the international stage, opening a new chapter for sustainable tourism in Europe.
Partnership with Booking.com / Travelpayouts
