Dublin Wins European Commission’s Smart Tourism Capital Award 2024

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Dublin has been honored with the European Commission’s Smart Tourism Capital Award for the year 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dublin’s exemplary achievements in four key areas as a tourist destination: sustainability, accessibility, digitalization, and cultural heritage and creativity.

The award committee highlighted Dublin’s successful integration of Europe’s finest Smart Tourism practices through its partnerships with other cities and the launch of its inaugural five-year tourism strategy, emphasizing innovation.

Particularly noteworthy were Dublin’s attractions like EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum and 14 Henrietta Street, alongside recent technological advancements such as the Dublin Discovery Trails App. This app enables tourists to explore Dublin’s rich culture, heritage, and history through GPS-guided immersive walking trails with thematic stories.

The panel also said: “This city immersed in a rich tapestry of history, is a city full of culture and creativity. Now hailed for its commitment to sustainability and a strategic smart tourism vision and outstanding achievements, it has impressed the jury. Over the past year, this city has actively engaged people in decision-making, creating a destination that resonates with its people and embraces innovation at the same time. The city’s networking efforts with previous winners reflect a dedication to collaboration, leadership and innovation, and a beating European heart.”

Exploring Dublin sustainably is a breeze thanks to its Dublin Bikes scheme, boasting over 1600 bicycles and extensive cycling paths that meander through the city, trace the Royal Canal, and encircle Dublin Bay.

The city proudly hosts The Iveagh Garden Hotel, Europe’s inaugural eco-friendly hotel, which opened its doors in 2018 aiming for the minimal carbon footprint relative to its European counterparts. This pioneering establishment harnesses energy from an underground river for its heating and cooling systems and uses LED lighting throughout, setting new standards in sustainable energy utilization.

Dublin emerged victorious over 30 contenders from 17 countries, including Cork, located along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, which was also in the running. This achievement is in line with Ireland’s broader environmental goals of halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment is evident across the board in the hospitality and tourism industry, with hotels, festivals, and key attractions adopting greener practices.

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