Tampere named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026 The Finnish city of Tampere holds the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2026, a recognition awarded by an initiative connected with the European Commission to destinations that systematically develop sustainable, inclusive, digitally advanced and culturally distinctive tourism. According to the announcement by the European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, Tampere has been highlighted as an example of a city that connects accessible culture, heritage protection and proximity to nature in experiences intended for both visitors and the local population. The city was selected from among seven finalists, and the decision was made by a European jury after the presentation of the candidacies in Brussels. According to the City of Tampere and Visit Tampere, Braga, Bruges, Brussels, Genoa, Leipzig and Regensburg were also in the final selection. The recognition is important for Tampere both because of international visibility and because the city is trying to show that growth in the tourism sector does not have to be separated from residents' well-being, climate goals and smart public services. European recognition for sustainable and innovative destinations The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative was created to highlight destinations in the European Union that introduce new practices in tourism management. According to the official information of the programme, the competition is focused on excellence in four areas: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity. In the category of larger cities, urban destinations with more than 100,000 inhabitants take part, and the award functions not only as a promotional label, but also as a platform for exchanging experience among European cities. The European Commission states that the aim of the programme is to encourage networking among destinations, the visibility of good practices and the transfer of solutions that can help other