Tampere has been chosen as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, and the celebratory year officially began on March 11 in the city. The title of European Capital of Smart Tourism is awarded to a city that demonstrates exceptional commitment to developing sustainable and innovative tourism.
The city received a commemorative sculpture from the European Commission, now on display in Ratinanlinnanpuisto. The hashtag sculpture reflects the visual identity of the Capital of Smart Tourism and is part of Tampere’s prize package.
During the handover, a delegation from the European Commission visited Tampere to get acquainted with the city.
– Tampere was selected as the European Capital of Smart Tourism because it stood out in the competition for the way it brings together accessibility, cultural heritage, and digital innovation to enhance the visitor experience. The city combines ambitious local initiatives with inclusive access to nature and culture, and smart digital services that benefit both visitors and residents. Experiences like Tampere’s will also help inform the EU’s upcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy, as we work with destinations across Europe to support innovative, resilient and high-quality tourism, states Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission
– This year offers Tampere a unique opportunity to strengthen its position in global networks and leverage the recognition in targeted funding calls. It opens doors to internationalize our tourism and to make an even greater impact within EU networks and other international platforms. The sculpture serves as a tangible daily reminder for all of us of the opportunities and achievements of the Capital of Smart Tourism year, said Anna-Kaisa Heinämäki, Director at the City of Tampere.
The “smart” in Smart Tourism is defined through four EU categories: digitalization, cultural heritage, accessibility, and sustainability. In its application, Tampere highlighted distinctive features such as the Moomins and the city’s status as the world’s sauna capital.
– The international visibility that comes with winning this title is invaluable for Tampere. It allows us to showcase key highlights, such as the Moomins and our saunas, as tourism attractions that combine nature and urban culture. The city is continuously launching new initiatives and developing smart tourism themes, said Jari Ahjoharju, CEO of Visit Tampere.
Tampere’s application also emphasized the city’s predictive digital services, including the Tampere Pulse app, which forecasts visitor flows.
