Press release -
Helsingborg shares second place as Dublin wins European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024
Helsingborg was one of six cities in the final. The award is given to the city that demonstrates a deep commitment to shaping the future of sustainable and innovative tourism. The award also aims to promote networking and strengthen destinations while facilitating the sharing of successful examples in the field.
"Regardless, today we stand as winners! Being in the final is a clear acknowledgement that we are on the right path forward. It puts Helsingborg in a European and global context, which is good for the city and the local business community," says Helena Wennerström, Deputy Director of Communications and Business Development.
Initially, the starting field consisted of 30 cities from 17 different countries. Six cities made it to the final: Helsingborg, Bremerhaven (Germany), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Genoa (Italy) and San Sebastián (Spain). In the final, representatives from the City of Helsingborg presented their proposal to a European jury.
The close and intensive cooperation between the city and the tourism industry is behind the nomination and necessary for the continued journey ahead. Many people are behind the joint offer to sell Helsingborg. In the coming year, Helsingborg will be given the opportunity to collaborate as part of a network with all the finalists, starting in Dublin in the spring of 2024.
"Dublin was in the final for the second time, which shows that the journey we have started is a great opportunity for Helsingborg as a destination. Behind the second place is well-invested time that gives us the opportunity to take the city closer to our goals, while becoming more visible in Europe. I am extremely impressed by the effort that many have put in. An exciting year lies ahead of us with opportunities for new contacts and developing collaborations in a network led by the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024," says Helena Wennerström.
About the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative
The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that rewards cities for their innovative approaches in the areas of accessibility, digitalisation, sustainability and cultural heritage & creativity.
The competition welcomes entries from cities in the European Union and non-EU countries eligible for the Single Market Programme. An impartial panel of experts thoroughly evaluates the applications, and the applicants who achieve the highest score in all categories advance to the finals.
Since 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism has provided a platform to highlight exceptional practices and achievements. The winners from previous years are Seville and Paphos (2023), València and Bordeaux (2022), Málaga and Gothenburg (2020) and Helsinki and Lyon (2019).
Contact person for questions
Helena Wennerström
Deputy Director of Communications and Economic Development
Email: helena.wennerstrom@helsingborg.se
Mobile phone: 073-076 17 39
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The City of Helsingborg is located in the south of Sweden, just across the bay from Denmark. In recent years Helsingborg has received a number of awards, such as: Sweden’s ICT Municipality of the Year, Quality Municipality of the Year, Growth Municipality of the Year and Sustainability Municipality of the Year.
Now, the City of Helsingborg has set its sight on becoming one of Euorope’s most innovative cities by offering an open innovation platform for city innovations.
Welcome to join our journey!
