EU Opens 2027 European Capitals of Tourism Applications Until June 12
Summary
The European Commission (DG MOVE) has opened applications for the 2027 European Capitals of Tourism award. Two destinations will be awarded: one with over 100,000 inhabitants and one with 25,000 to 100,000 inhabitants, both recognising excellence in sustainable and innovative tourism. Applications close on 12 June 2026 at 17:00 CEST.
“The Commission will award two destinations that demonstrate exceptional achievements in two categories.”
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GovPing monitors EU DG MOVE for new transportation regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 1 changes logged to date.
What changed
The European Commission launches the 2027 European Capitals of Tourism award programme, with applications open until 12 June 2026 at 17:00 CEST. Two destinations will be selected — one in the over-100,000-inhabitant category recognising excellence in sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage, and one in the 25,000-to-100,000 category for smaller destinations leading in sustainable tourism. This is a new cycle of an existing EU tourism initiative and creates no compliance obligations. Affected parties: EU tourism destinations seeking recognition and potential funding visibility for their sustainable tourism programmes.
Archived snapshot
Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Today, the European Commission launches the 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism award. Tourism destinations across Europe are invited to present their most innovative and sustainable tourism initiatives, positioning themselves as leading examples in the field.
The Commission will award two destinations that demonstrate exceptional achievements in two categories. The first category is open to destinations with over 100,000 inhabitants and recognises excellence in sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity. The second category is open to destinations with 25,000 to 100,000 inhabitants and recognises smaller destinations leading in sustainable tourism.
As one of the EU’s largest economic sectors, tourism plays a key role in economic growth and job creation. It contributes to regional development, supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and helps preserve cultural heritage. At the same time, the tourism sector faces significant challenges, including geopolitical instability, climate change, skill shortages, and overcrowding in key hotspots. The European Capitals of Tourism initiative recognises and celebrates destinations implementing innovative solutions in areas such as digitalisation, accessibility, sustainability, as well as support for cultural heritage, creativity, and local talent.
Applications for the European Capitals of Tourism are now open until 12 June, 17:00 CEST.
More information on the awards and the prizes is available online.
Details
Publication date 7 April 2026 Author Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport
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