The 2020 European Capitals of Smart Tourism Gothenburg and Málaga will be taking part in this year’s ITB in Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. On March 4–8, 2020, the two cities will showcase their smart tourism initiatives and best practices at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 1.1, Stand 222) supported by the EU.

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative that recognizes outstanding achievements by European cities as tourism destinations in four award categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalization, cultural heritage, and creativity.

Promotion of smart tourism in Europe

The initiative promotes the development of smart tourism in European cities, aims to strengthen destinations, and facilitates the exchange of best practices. The initiative is managed by the European Commission, the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs, and results from a preparatory action proposed by the European Parliament.

Visitors to the ITB will have the opportunity to hear more about the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative, meet representatives of Gothenburg and Málaga, and learn what made both cities stand out to become 2020 European Capitals of Smart Tourism. – Join us at the press event, taking place on Thursday, March 5th, at 16:30 at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 1.1, Stand 222).

In addition, the representatives of Gothenburg and Málaga will be showcasing their cities’ smart tourism initiatives and how they are addressing the current challenges in the tourism sector on the following occasions:

• Málaga’s Deputy Mayor, Maria Rosa Sanchez Jimenez, at the Málaga City stand on March 4 at 10:00–10:30 (Hall 2.1b, Stand 124).
• Gothenburg‘s Press & Corporate Communications Manager, Stefan Gadd, at the ITB TTA Forum on March 4 at 15:00–15:30 (eTravel Lab/ Hall 7.1b)

Gothenburg and Málaga show exemplary achievements throughout all four categories of the initiative and impressed the European Jury both with the activities they intend to implement in 2020 and their capacity to act as role models for other cities.

Gothenburg works together with a wide variety of stakeholders and sectors to implement a truly integrated approach to smart tourism. The city stands out for its digital offering, which is helping to improve experiences for both citizens and tourists. This includes future-oriented solutions for traffic and transport, open data, as well as exemplary sustainability measures.

Málaga has transformed from a sun-and-sea tourism hotspot into an innovative tourism destination, successfully incorporating the concepts of sustainability, accessibility, innovation, and culture into its smart tourism strategies and actions. The coastal city has a strong focus on using novel technologies to improve the visitor experience and boost the innovative capacity of local businesses.

Find out more about the 2020 European Capitals of Smart Tourism here:

• Gothenburg: https://smarttourismcapital.eu/city/gothenburg/
• Málaga: https://smarttourismcapital.eu/city/malaga-2020/

A selection of the most innovative projects, ideas, and initiatives submitted by cities competing for the 2019 and 2020 European Capital of Smart Tourism can be found in the Compendium of Best Practices, the go-to guide to smart tourism in the EU.