European Commission has announced that Dublin is one of six European cities that have made it to the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award shortlist.
The city has earned a spot on the shortlist for the second time. The Irish city of Cork is also part of this list.
According to a recent statement by the EU Commission, Dublin and Cork have secured their positions on this list due to their outstanding sustainability initiatives and high levels of cultural engagement. They share this recognition with other cities such as Bremerhaven in Germany, Genoa in Italy, Helsinborg in Sweden, and San Sebastián in Spain.
Cork takes pride in its commitment to smart urban development and sustainability. With diverse accolades and initiatives, Cork exemplifies how a city can seamlessly integrate responsible practices into its tourism model and daily life.
The same authority noted that located on Ireland’s vibrant east coast, Dublin boasts a population of over 1.5 million and stands as Europe’s fifth-largest transport hub. In 2019, the Commission found that tourism played a key role in the city’s economy, supporting 68,000 jobs and welcoming 8.6 million visitors who contributed €2.6 billion to tourism spending in the city.
In addition, Dublin has adopted a strategic, innovative tourism program, bringing together community, technology, and innovation to reshape the conventional tourism experience.
As for Bremerhaven, Germany, another city shortlisted, it is a distinctive maritime tourist destination along the North Sea coast, boasting a storied history as an important trading port.
As the EU Commission explains, with an unwavering commitment to preserving its coastal landscape and protecting ecologically sensitive areas, Bremerhaven takes extensive measures to align its tourism model with these sustainability objectives.
Moreover, Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region, stands proudly on the shortlist for the 2024 competition. Within Italy, it enjoys an outstanding reputation for its splendid palaces and architectural treasures.
Although it once served as a thriving industrial and commercial centre for an extended period, Genoa has since embarked on a comprehensive urban renewal process dedicated to revitalising its artistic and cultural heritage.
Helsingborg, one of Sweden’s oldest cities, shares close cultural and historical ties with Helsingør, Denmark, easily connected by a short 20-minute ferry ride across the Øresund.
In 2012, Helsingborg set an ambitious goal for 2035 to transform the city into a creative, vibrant, united, globally connected and well-balanced hub for its residents and businesses.
Furthermore, the Spanish city of San Sebastián is one of the cities that harmoniously combines a rich cultural heritage, renowned gastronomy and a warm and inviting lifestyle.
The Commission emphasised that the city strikes a balance between its unique and ancient history, characterised by the enigmatic Basque language, and its forward-thinking and sustainable initiatives, which are essential in cultivating an inclusive and thriving community.
