Torino Now Hosts Key Workshop to Shape Future of Sustainable Tourism Across Europe, Get the Details Here

Published on December 5, 2025

At the end of 2025, Torino celebrated the end of its successful mandate as European Capital of Smart Tourism with a flagship event: a high-level workshop that brought together top tourism experts and representatives of European cities. This forum focused on addressing critical challenges and significant opportunities for the future of European destinations through smart and sustainable tourism. The event also played a decisive role in shaping the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy for 2025 and beyond, ensuring smart tourism remains at the core of Europe’s travel and tourism agenda.

A Collaborative Platform for European Destinations

The workshop, which took place in Torino, welcomed key representatives from Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Germany, Slovenia, Finland, Austria, France, Italy, and Croatia. Together, these cities represent the diverse landscape of European tourism, each with its unique set of challenges and aspirations for a smarter, more sustainable tourism model. The event provided an invaluable platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and aligning on strategies for the future of travel in Europe.

The main objective of the gathering was to define what “smart tourism” truly means and how it can be implemented across Europe in practical terms. With the rise of digital technology, data analytics, and sustainability awareness, the future of tourism is rapidly evolving. The workshop emphasized the need for digital transformation, data-driven strategies, and sustainability to create a tourism experience that balances the needs of visitors with the resilience of local communities and environments.

Defining Smart Tourism for the Future

A central focus of the workshop was the need for smart tourism to be based on a combination of digital innovation and sustainable practices. As Europe seeks to define the tourism landscape of the future, the workshop participants discussed the tools that destinations will need to accelerate their green and digital transitions.

These tools include advanced data platforms that allow for real-time insights into visitor flows, environmental impact assessments, and the integration of sustainable practices into every stage of the visitor journey. Additionally, cultural preservation was highlighted as a key pillar of smart tourism, with a focus on maintaining the heritage of cities while also advancing them into the future. The growing demand for inclusive and accessible tourism also emerged as a crucial factor in ensuring that future tourism models benefit all members of society, including marginalized and underserved groups.

For tourists, this means a future where technology enhances their travel experience, providing smarter, more sustainable ways to explore cities, access services, and learn about local cultures and histories. Whether through personalized itineraries, green transport options, or immersive digital experiences, smart tourism offers tourists a more enriching, efficient, and responsible way to travel.

Impact on Sustainability and Visitor Experience

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the need to balance tourism growth with sustainability. As European cities strive to attract more visitors, there is a growing awareness that uncontrolled tourism can strain resources, disrupt local communities, and damage the environment. The goal of smart tourism is to ensure that tourism development is not only driven by economic goals but also takes into account long-term environmental resilience and community welfare.

For tourists, this means a more eco-friendly and community-conscious approach to travel. Future travelers will be able to enjoy a more sustainable experience, where their activities contribute to the preservation of the destinations they visit. This could include options like eco-friendly accommodations, low-carbon transport, and local cultural experiences that support the livelihoods of residents rather than exploiting the environment.

Torino’s Role as a Leader in Smart Tourism

As the host city for this significant workshop, Torino showcased its commitment to the principles of smart and sustainable tourism. Throughout 2025, Torino has demonstrated how innovation can revitalize a city, turning it into a modern cultural tourism hub while retaining its rich industrial heritage.

The city has been a pioneer in integrating technology into its tourism offerings. Notable examples of Torino’s transformation include the redevelopment of the former FIAT factory into the Lingotto cultural centre, a multifunctional venue that blends history, culture, and innovation. Additionally, the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Centre stands as a symbol of Torino’s commitment to the future, offering a space where technology and creativity intersect to foster innovation in tourism and beyond.

A significant tourist attraction that has become synonymous with Torino’s modern identity is the Luci D’Artista light installations, which light up the city during the winter season. These light displays not only enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as an example of how art and technology can combine to create a unique, sustainable tourism experience for visitors.

The EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Its Future Implications

The insights gathered during the workshop will play a key role in informing the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which is currently under development by the European Commission. The strategy is expected to be completed by early next year and will serve as a comprehensive framework to guide European cities in their efforts to become more sustainable and smart.

This strategy aims to strengthen Europe’s positioning as a leading sustainable tourism destination, offering a coherent set of guidelines that can help cities balance growth with sustainability. The strategy also supports the creation of innovative tourism models that prioritize green and digital agendas, ensuring that future travel experiences are not only efficient but also beneficial to both tourists and local communities.

Torino’s Ongoing Legacy in Urban Innovation and Tourism

Torino’s year as the European Capital of Smart Tourism is a part of a broader, long-term vision for the city’s role in shaping the future of urban tourism and innovation. The city’s dual recognition as the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism and the 2024–2025 European Capital of Innovation underscores its leadership in driving forward-thinking tourism initiatives.

Looking ahead, Torino will host the 2026 iCapital Awards ceremony, alongside the Eurocities Economic Development Forum. These prestigious events will bring together policymakers, destination leaders, and innovation experts to explore the intersections of economic development, sustainability, and urban transformation. Torino’s involvement in these events further reinforces its role as a key player in the ongoing evolution of European tourism.

A Lasting Legacy for European Tourism

As Torino concludes its tenure as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, the city leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a clear contribution to Europe’s long-term sustainable tourism strategy. The insights shared during the workshop and the innovative projects of the city continue to inspire European destinations for years to come. With tourists increasingly requesting responsible, personalized, and immersive journeys, the notion of smart tourism is in position to contribute to a future wherein destinations flourish by honoring their communities and environments.