The City of Tampere has been shortlisted along with six other cities for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism award, said Visit Tampere in a press release on Tuesday.
The European Commission (EC) has announced the names of the cities out of total 32 applicants from 12 countries.
The other six cities shortlisted by the EC are Braga (Portugal), Bruges (Belgium), Brussels (Belgium), Genoa (Italy), Leipzig (Germany) and Regensburg (Germany).
The title is awarded to a city that demonstrates strong commitment to developing sustainable, accessible and innovative tourism.
The award also aims to foster networking between smart tourism destinations, encourage the exchange of best practices, and strengthen innovation in European tourism.
The finalists are invited to present their proposals to a European jury on 18–19 November 2025, which will then select the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism.
“We are excited and proud that Tampere has been shortlisted for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism. This recognition reflects our strong commitment to sustainability, accessibility and the use of digital solutions in tourism,” said Anna-Krista Sorvoja, Development Director of Visit Tampere in the press release.
The Director said that Tampere is part of the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
“At the same time, Tampere is a city that believes in people and collaboration alongside technological development, we build an authentic and human-scale environment where local culture, from sauna traditions to community-based services, plays a central role. This authenticity is recognised by both residents and visitors, making Tampere truly unique," Sorvoja added.
Since its launch in 2018, the competition has provided a platform to highlight outstanding tourism practices and achievements.
Torino has been selected as the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism. Previous winners include Dublin (2024), Seville and Pafos (2023), València and Bordeaux (2022), Málaga and Gothenburg (2020), and Helsinki and Lyon (2019).
- Tampere
- Shortlisted
- European
- Tourism
- Award
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
