ERRIN Members Helsinki and Lyon awarded the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019

Congratulations to the ERRIN Members Helsinki and Lyon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) for receiving the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019! Helsinki ranked second at the Accessible City Awards in 2015 and its smart public transport system enjoyed a rise in user satisfaction over the last two years. In addition, Helsinki has become a hotbed of software innovation, thanks to its open approach to public data, available free for all since 2009. Lyon won several accolades for accessibility, including the 2017 Access City Award. Visitors with disabilities and reduced mobility can move around the city with complete autonomy, taking advantage of a completely adapted transport network and smart signage. Helsinki and Lyon have been chosen as European Capitals of Smart Toursm 2019 by a seven-member European Jury, comprising representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, European Committee of Regions and the EU Member States: Bulgaria and Austria (holders of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during 2018), at a meeting in Brussels, on 24 September. All of the winning cities will be awarded at the European Tourism Day on 7 November 2018 – a major EU tourism event – and featured at the exhibition where several hundred participants from all over Europe will have the opportunity to discover best practices in the field of smart tourism. Click to find out more about what makes Helsinki and Lyon smart and innovative capitals.