The European Commission has opened the competition for the European Capitals of Tourism 2027.

The European Commission has opened applications for the selection of European Capitals of Tourism 2027, an initiative that rewards European destinations that excel in sustainability, accessibility, digitalization, preservation of cultural heritage and involvement of local communities in tourism development.

The competition unites the previous initiatives of the European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, whereby the European Commission continues to encourage the development of destinations that view tourism through a broader framework of quality of life, innovation, sustainability and spatial management.

Applications are open until 12 June 2026, and the winners will be announced in November. Destinations from European Union member states and countries participating in the Single Market program are eligible to participate in the competition.

The competition is divided into two categories. The first is intended for cities with more than 100.000 inhabitants, while the second is intended for smaller destinations with between 25.000 and 100.000 inhabitants.

Destinations will be evaluated according to results and projects in the field of sustainability, accessibility, digital solutions, cultural heritage and creativity. Special emphasis is placed on the involvement of the local community and the development of tourism, which contributes to the quality of life of the residents.

The winning destinations will receive the title of European Capital of Tourism 2027, international visibility, promotional and communication support from the European Commission, and the opportunity to join the European network of destinations that develop sustainable, accessible and smart tourism.

The finalists of the competition will be announced in September, while the winners will be presented in November 2026.

The competition is also interesting for Croatian destinations, especially at a time when Destination Management Plans are being developed in Croatia and there is increasing discussion about sustainability, tourist flows, digitalization, accessibility and the quality of life of the local population.

The European initiative thus additionally confirms the direction in which destination management is developing: from promotion itself to destination management, sustainability and better involvement of the local community in the development of tourism.

More details at European Capitals of Tourism 2027.