The European Commission has announced the finalists for the 2026 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award. Tartu is among the eight destinations selected.
Tartu’s application highlights an integrated, citywide approach to sustainable tourism: city buses running on biomethane and a bike-share system, Green Destinations Platinum status, and participation in the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. Community-based culture and event tourism also play a key role, boosted by Tartu’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2024.
This time, the Commission expanded the shortlist from the usual four to eight because several applications received equal scores. Alongside Tartu, the finalists are Ibiza (Spain), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Geestland (Germany), Laois (Ireland), Mariagerfjord (Denmark), Marmaris (Türkiye) and Rebild (Denmark).
Finalists will present their proposals to the European Jury in Brussels on 18–19 November. The title brings EU-level visibility and expert communications support to the winning destination throughout 2026. Benidorm (Spain) held the title in 2025, and Grosseto (Italy) in 2024.
More information about the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award: Sandra Bumbar-Malchow, European Smart Tourism Secretariat, info@SmartTourismCapital.eu, +49 (0) 30 70 01 86 390
About Tartu’s candidature:Miia Maris Praks, Sustainable Tourism Coordinator, Visit Tartu, miia.praks@visittartu.com, +372 5347 0939