Brussels and Bruges have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2026 European Capital of Smart Tourism Award, a prestigious recognition presented annually by the European Commission to cities leading the way in sustainable and innovative tourism.
Out of 32 candidate cities from 12 countries, only seven reached the final stage this year, an expansion from the usual four. Alongside the two Belgian cities, Braga (Portugal), Genoa (Italy), Leipzig and Regensburg (Germany), and Tampere (Finland) were also selected.
The award celebrates cities that demonstrate excellence in accessibility, digitalisation, sustainability, cultural heritage, and creativity. Through the competition, the European Commission seeks to inspire cities to adopt forward-looking approaches to tourism while promoting inclusivity and resilience across the sector.
The finalists will now present their proposals before a European jury on 18 and 19 November 2025. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter, taking over from Turin, Italy, which earned the title for 2025.
The winning city will benefit from a comprehensive communication and branding package. This includes the production of a promotional video, a tailor-made visibility campaign at both EU and global level, and the installation of a signature hashtag sculpture to symbolize its achievement.
Launched in 2018, the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative has created a platform to showcase innovative approaches to tourism development. Previous winners such as Dublin, Seville, Valencia, and Helsinki have gained international recognition for their efforts to combine cultural vibrancy with sustainability and digital progress.
For Belgium, the nominations of both Brussels and Bruges are seen as a strong endorsement of the country’s tourism strategies. Brussels, the capital of Europe, has focused on accessibility, innovation, and inclusive cultural experiences.
Bruges, meanwhile, has built its reputation on heritage preservation, sustainable visitor management, and digital solutions to improve tourism services.
Both cities hope their selection will highlight Belgium’s dual strengths in modern innovation and historic charm. Tourism experts believe their success in reaching the final demonstrates Belgium’s growing role in shaping a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector in Europe.
Regardless of which city wins, the recognition itself brings significant visibility. As the competition continues to expand, the European Capital of Smart Tourism Award is establishing itself as a benchmark for excellence, driving innovation and sustainability across the continent’s tourism industry.
With Brussels and Bruges in the spotlight, Belgium is positioning itself not just as a destination for visitors, but as a model of how cities can reinvent tourism for the future.
