04/03/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 4 March, the European Commission launched the 2026 editions of two competitions entitled ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism’ and ‘European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism’. Major cities with a reputation as European tourist destinations are invited to present “their innovative practices of smart and sustainable tourism” in order to encourage change in the sector. The first competition will reward cities with a population of over 100,000 in the categories of “sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, cultural heritage and creativity”. The ‘European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism’ aims to reward smaller destinations (population of 25,000 to 100,000) for their environmental initiatives. Cities can submit their applications until 30 May 2025. (IS)