Tampere Named European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026
Credit: Mikko Vares
Tampere has been awarded the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026, emerging as the winner from seven shortlisted finalists including Braga, Bruges, Brussels, Genoa, Leipzig and Regensburg. The European Commission highlighted Tampere’s strong commitment to sustainable development, digital innovation and collaborative tourism solutions.
According to the Commission, Tampere stood out for its forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility, innovative smart-city applications, and its ability to demonstrate how tourism can support local wellbeing. The jury also praised the city’s commitment to sharing best practices and collaborating actively with European partners.
Tampere’s bid highlighted several recent achievements, including its rise from 23rd to 6th place in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, the development of sustainability tools for local businesses, and new nature-based experiences accessible through the Outdoor Express service. The Tampere.Finland mobile app and various smart-city solutions that integrate digital and physical environments were also key elements.
Signature branding assets such as Tampere’s established identity as the Sauna Capital of the World and its internationally recognised Moomin heritage further strengthened the application.
City of Tampere Executive Director of Economic Policy, Competitiveness and Innovation, Teppo Rantanen, and Visit Tampere Director of Marketing and Communications, Heli Jokela, presented the city’s concept to the jury in Brussels.
“Tampere has a strong foundation in sustainable development, smart-city solutions and cultural vibrancy. This award is an excellent recognition of our work and a major opportunity for future collaborations,” Rantanen said.
As the winning city, Tampere will receive extensive promotion from the European Commission, including a dedicated marketing video, international visibility campaigns, and a signature hashtag sculpture to be placed in the city. The themed year is expected to further strengthen Tampere’s brand among domestic and international audiences and enhance its role in pan-European development projects.
“This title increases Tampere’s recognition in key target markets and brings new credibility for the European-level projects and networks we are active in,” Jokela added.
The award also aligns with the region’s long-term Access Tampere program, which focuses on improving air connectivity and multimodal travel chains to and from Tampere Airport.
The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative aims to promote innovation, visibility and collaboration among pioneering destinations across the continent. Previous title holders include Dublin (2024), Seville and Pafos (2023), Valencia and Bordeaux (2022), Málaga and Gothenburg (2020), and Helsinki and Lyon (2019).
Read more: Tampere wins the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism
More information:
Teppo Rantanen
Executive Director of Economic Policy, Competitiveness and Innovation
City of Tampere
email. teppo.rantanen@tampere.fi, tel. +358400235442
Heli Jokela
Director of Marketing and Communications
Visit Tampere
email. heli.jokela@visittampere.fi, tel. +358408441116