Helsinki wins European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 competition
Helsinki has taken first place in the European Commission’s new European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 competition. The title for 2019 was awarded to two cities: Helsinki and Lyon. The final selection took place on 24 September 2018 in Brussels, where Pia Pakarinen, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki, and Laura Aalto, CEO of Helsinki Marketing, presented Helsinki’s winning entry under the theme “Helsinki – taking smart to new heights”.
”Helsinki as a city is committed to promoting sustainable development and is showing the way in this regard also within the tourism sector in Europe. Over the coming year we will formulate a sustainable tourism action plan that will further strengthen our role as a pioneer in this joint project,” says Deputy Mayor Pia Pakarinen.
Factors that were evaluated in choosing the European Capital of Smart Tourism included city image, accessibility, sustainable tourism, digitalisation in tourism services, cultural heritage and innovativeness in tourism offerings.
“Helsinki is showing the way internationally. Helsinki’s success in this competition was made possible by our reinforced image as an attractive and functional city destination. In addition, our long-term work in offering and utilising open data has clearly become one of our leading success factors. For example, our award-winning city marketing website Myhelsinki.fi demonstrates Helsinki’s digital leadership,” says Laura Aalto, CEO of Helsinki Marketing.
In the second half of next year, when Finland will hold the EU Presidency, Helsinki will have an excellent opportunity to present its expertise also in sustainable tourism. In addition, Helsinki will host the World Tourism Cities Federation Summit in August 2019, when the eyes of the international travel media and global tourism experts will be firmly on our city.
Background information about the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 competition
The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition is a new initiative by the European Union that aims to promote smart tourism in the EU, network and strengthen destinations, and facilitate the exchange of best practices.
Altogether 38 cities from 19 EU Member States participate in the inaugural competition. Helsinki competed in the final selection with Brussels, Ljubljana, Lyon, Malaga, Nantes, Palma, Poznań, Tallinn and Valencia.
The award ceremony will take place in connection with European Tourism Day in Brussels on 7 November 2018.
You might also like
‘Ease policies, improve infra to develop cruise tourism’
If the country wants to develop cruise tourism which has vast potential, she needs to upgrade infrastructure, ease security and immigration policies and attract investments, says a leading cruise-line operator.
Madrid first of seven new Air India destinations
The launch of Air India’s new route to Madrid this week will mark the start of a period of significant expansion for the national carrier. The new service from Delhi
Rich & Storied History of Falmouth in Jamaica
-Caribbean’s Preserved Georgian town- Jamaica’s rich history and culture are as appealing as its prominent attractions of white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Across the island, visitors will find various
