The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is an EU initiative implemented by the European Commission. Its aim is to recognise and award smaller destinations that have implemented successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices.

The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism was first introduced as the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) competition by the European Commission in 2007 as an initiative to reward non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe. It used to be run under a different theme each year and was based on national competitions. In 2019, the initiative was redesigned and updated in line with the European Green Deal and is set to contribute to the recovery and resilience of tourism destinations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative aims to:

• showcase the best achievements in sustainable tourism and green transition practices across smaller European destinations
• promote the development of sustainable tourism in destinations, bringing value to the economy, planet and people
• establish a framework for participating destinations to exchange best practices and create opportunities for cooperation and new partnerships

Purpose of the best practices from the 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition

In 2023, the European Commission launched the first competition for the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism. Destinations in EU and Single Market Programme – former COSME countries with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 inhabitants were eligible to apply. 11 destinations submitted applications. Grosseto (Italy) was selected as the 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism.

This collection of best practices has been derived from the applications that destinations submitted to the competition. The report showcases the selection of best practices in sustainable tourism and solely presents and relies on the data that the cities submitted in their applications.

The purpose of this document is to enhance and facilitate the exchange of best practices in promoting innovative and sustainable measures and initiatives for tourism destinations. The report aims to raise awareness about sustainable initiatives, tools, measures and projects, sharing the best practices implemented by destinations and strengthening peer-to-peer learning and sustainable development of tourism.

1. General Background
2. Purpose of the best practices from the 2022 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition
3. Presenting best practices