Dublin’s ‘Smart Tourism’ Year

Dublin City Council has launched its designation as the 2024 “European Capital of Smart Tourism”. The Samuel Beckett Bridge was lit up with the European flag in recognition of the award. 

“The European Capital of Smart Tourism” designation is awarded to cities by the European Commission in recognition of destinations which are leading the way in becoming more sustainable, accessible, cultural and digital. 

Dublin City has previously been shortlisted for this award in 2021 and is one of the only cities in Europe to have an established Smart Tourism Programme, which is supported by Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and Dublin City Council Culture Company. 

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said:

“This is a wonderful achievement that underscores the City Council’s commitment to ensuring that Dublin is a world-class sustainable, accessible and cultural destination. Dublin is our capital and is the gateway destination for many of the visitors to our island. It’s wonderful to see the great work that our local authorities and tourism agencies are undertaking being recognised like this.”

For Dublin City Council and its partners, the designation will involve facilitating a comprehensive programme of events focused on embedding best practice in sustainable tourism. Representatives from other leading destinations in Europe will be visiting Dublin during the year to collaborate, learn and share best practices with their counterparts in Dublin. A core focus for the year will be using the designation to drive further collaboration between Dublin and other EU cities. 

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council said: “This designation is a recognition of our commitment to deliver a greener, more accessible, inclusive and innovative Dublin, for both our visitors and locals.”