Dublin launches its first year as the European capital of ‘smart tourism’

Dublin City won an EU award late last year for smart tourism, surpassing 29 other cities based on innovation and commitment to sustainability.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge was lit up with the European flag last night in recognition of the award.

Dublin was previously shortlisted for the award in 2021 and is one of the only cities in Europe to develop a Smart Tourism Programme of this kind.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Catherine Martin said: “I congratulate everybody concerned with Dublin’s designation as European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2024.

“This is a wonderful achievement that underscores the City Council’s commitment to ensuring that Dublin is a world-class sustainable, accessible, and cultural destination.

“Dublin is our capital and is the gateway destination for many of the visitors to our Island. It’s wonderful to see the great work that our local authorities and tourism agencies are undertaking being recognised like this.

“I know it will serve to inspire other areas to strive for excellence in sustainable tourism practices that deliver better environmental, social, and economic outcomes for all.”

This programme will involve facilitating various events, engagements, and activities that will focus on gearing towards the best practices in sustainable tourism.

Representatives from other leading tourism destinations in Europe will come to Dublin during the year to collaborate, learn, and share ideas.

One of the biggest focuses this year will be to encourage more collaboration between Dublin and other EU cities.

"We are delighted that Dublin has been awarded the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism. This designation is a recognition of our commitment to deliver a greener, more accessible, inclusive, and innovative Dublin, for both our visitors and locals,” Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council said.

“Our Smart Tourism programme, which was established in 2019, has been sharing, collaborating, and learning from some of the best cities in Europe and embedding this best practice in our own work through our new Tourism Strategy 2023-2023.

“We will proudly use this designation as a platform to deliver an innovative approach to tourism for Dublin."