European Capital of Smart Tourism 2020 competition launched

Brussels (ots) - Today, the European Commission launched the
competition for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2020. This
initiative rewards European cities for outstanding, innovative and
sustainable tourism practices.

Tourism is the EU's third largest socio-economic activity,
representing around 10% of the EU's GDP. The sector plays a crucial
role in generating growth and jobs, but still holds untapped
potential. Through this initiative, the EU is aiming to celebrate
outstanding achievements in smart tourism by European cities and
ensure that both visitors and residents alike can benefit from them.

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative, based
on a proposal from the European Parliament, which secured its funding
for 2018 - 2019 through a Preparatory Action. It is implemented by
the European Commission. The initiative seeks to strengthen
tourism-generated innovative development in EU cities and their
surroundings, increase their attractiveness as well as strengthen
economic growth and job creation. It also aims to establish a
framework for the exchange of best practices between cities
participating in the contest, create opportunities for cooperation
and new partnerships.

In order to compete for the 2020 European Capital of Smart Tourism
title, cities are asked to demonstrate their innovative tourism
practices in four areas: accessibility, sustainability,
digitalisation, cultural heritage & creativity. Applications will
first be evaluated by a panel of independent experts. In the second
step, up to 10 shortlisted cities will be asked to present their
city's candidature in front of the European Jury. The European Jury
will select two winners, European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2020,
which will be announced in October 2019 at an Award Ceremony.

Both winning cities will receive expert communication and branding
support throughout 2020. This will include the production of a
promotional video, a giant sculpture to install in a prominent
location, diverse promotional activities and visibility at EU level.
Furthermore, four cities scoring the highest in individual
categories, based on the evaluation by experts will be recognised
with 2020 European Smart Tourism Awards.

To apply, city representatives are asked to complete an online
form: https://smarttourismcapital.eu/how-to-apply/. The deadline for
applications is 10 May 2019 at 18:00 CET.

For all the latest news on the European Capital of Smart Tourism
(https://smarttourismcapital.eu/), sign up to our newsletter:
https://smarttourismcapital.eu/newsletter/, or follow us on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/SmartTourismCapital.eu/) or Twitter
(https://twitter.com/eu_growth).

Notes to Editors

1. Smart tourism responds to new challenges and demands in a
fast-changing sector, including the expectation of digital
information, products and services; equal opportunities and access
for all visitors; sustainable development of the local area; and
support to creative industries and local talent.

2. In 2018, amongst 38 EU cities which applied, Helsinki and Lyon
stood out and were selected the European Capitals of Smart Tourism
2019.

3. The competition for European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2020
opened on 26 February 2019. Details on how to apply and terms and
conditions can be found at www.SmartTourismCapital.eu. The deadline
for applications is 10 May 2019 at 18:00 CET.

4. The initiative is open to cities in the EU with a population of
over 100,000. In countries where no city has more than 100,000
inhabitants, the largest city is eligible to apply. Please refer to
the Guide for Applicants for more information.

5. Eligible applications will be evaluated against a set of
established assessment criteria, by a panel of independent experts.
The European Commission based on the evaluation by experts will
shortlist up to 10 cities, which will be invited to present their
candidatures in front of a European Jury. The European Jury will
select two European Capitals of Smart Tourism 2020.

6. Cities shortlisted as finalists will be announced in August
2019 and the winners will be revealed in October 2019 at the Award
Ceremony.

Contact:
European Capital of Smart Tourism Secretariat:
Sandra Bumbar-Malchow, info@SmartTourismCapital.eu,
+49 (0) 30 70 01 86 390

Original-Content von: European Capital of Smart Tourism, übermittelt durch news aktuell