Cork city shortlisted for European Capital of Smart Tourism award
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Cork and Dublin are among six cities shortlisted for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award.
The award will be granted to the city that demonstrates "an extraordinary commitment to shaping the future of sustainable and innovative tourism."
Dublin has also been shortlisted, alongside Bremerhaven in Germany, Genoa in Italy, Helsingborg in Sweden, and San Sebastián in Spain.
These cities have been selected from a pool of 30 candidates spanning 17 countries.
Winners from previous years include Seville and Pafos in 2023, València and Bordeaux in 2022, Málaga and Gothenburg in 2020, and Helsinki and Lyon in 2019.
Finalists have now been invited to present their proposals to a European Jury, which will select this year's winner.
The chosen city will receive extensive support in communication and branding.
This includes the creation of a promotional video, installation of a hashtag sculpture for public exhibition in the city, and the implementation of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at boosting visibility at both the EU and global levels, ultimately resulting in an increase in the number of visitors.
According to the report, "Cork takes pride in its commitment to smart urban development and sustainability."
"With a diverse range of accolades and initiatives, Cork exemplifies how a city can seamlessly integrate responsible practices into its tourism model and daily life," it says.
The report also states that Cork is "leading by example" referring to the city's installation of five "robotic trees" to filter pollutants generated by traffic and improve ambient air quality.
It also recognised Cork's expanding cycling infrastructure, which "aims to deliver over 100km of upgraded cycle facilities by 2025."
It mentions initiatives such as the Cork City bike share scheme and the comprehensive Cork Cycle Map which contribute to a range of environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.
According to the report, Cork is a "city of welcomes" highlighting the fact that "Cork was the first and only city on the island of Ireland to become a member of the International Rainbow Cities Network," which pledges to protect and enhance LGBTI+ rights and inclusion.
And finally, the report states that Cork "showcases heritage" with over 1,100 buildings and structures in the city designated as "protected structures."
Dublin, Ireland's "bustling capital city" has also been shortlisted as it has "implemented a strategic smart tourism programme that brings together community, technology and innovation to co-create and transform the traditional tourism experience."
The report highlights the fact that by 2028, Dublin has pledged to place "universal accessibility at the centre of all of projects and activities in the city."
It focuses in on Dublin Airport, which has "taken the lead in creating an inclusive travel experience" by creating a disability users group and a sensory room, specifically catered to those with special needs or dementia.
The airport's assistance dog relief room also gets a nod.
The competition welcomes participation from cities within the European Union and non-EU countries that are eligible to the Single Market programme.
It started in 2018 and has provided a platform for cities to highlight exceptional practices and achievements.