Published on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 First edition of the EU's European Capital of Smart Tourism competition names winners. Award Ceremony will take place at European Tourism Day conference on 7 November 2018 in Brussels. The initiative supports tourism-generated innovative development in EU cities and their surroundings. The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognises outstanding achievements in four categories: in sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity by European city destinations. 4 other cities were announced as the winners in the individual categories of 38 Cities from 19 EU countries applied to compete for the title but both Helsinki and Lyon stood out because of A 7-member jury chose the 2 European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2019. The jury was made up of representatives from the Commission, Parliament, European Committee of Regions, and Bulgaria and Austria (holders of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during 2018). These 4 cities will be recognised with European Smart Tourism Awards for their achievements in these 4 categories. Throughout 2019, Helsinki and Lyon will get EU wide visibility. Both cities will receive expert communication and branding support, which will include the production of promotional videos, the installation of a purpose-built sculpture and bespoke promotional activities. All of the winning cities will be awarded during European Tourism Day on 7 November 2018, a major EU tourism event. They will be featured at the exhibition where several hundred participants from all over Europe can discover their best practices in smart tourism. https://smarttourismcapital.eu/ Valere Tjolle
Helsinki and Lyon have been selected as European Capitals of Smart Tourism in 7 November 2018 , the First edition of the EU 's competition. Of the 38 cities which applied to compete, the French and French cities came out on top because of their commitments to 38 tourism-generated categories: accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity. As prizes, the two cities will receive expert communication and branding support, promotional videos and activities, along with a purpose-built sculpture. Meanwhile, the individual winners of the four categories were featured alongside Helsinki and Lyon at the French Tourism Day event on 7 November 2018 .