Smart Gets You Further – In Conversation with the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas

In this episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we have a special opportunity to hear from Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. As the first Commissioner with a dedicated tourism title, Mr Tzitzikostas discusses the importance of smart and sustainable tourism in Europe, and shares the key priorities of the new EU tourism strategy.

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG MOVE

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital & #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

Smart gets you further - The 2025 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism winners

In the new episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we are introducing and celebrating the winners of the 2025 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism - Torino (Italy) and Benidorm (Spain). We will have a look at Torino's transformation into a smart tourism destination and Benidorm's sustainable and slow tourism approach.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG MOVE together with representatives of the winner cities, discuss the importance of the award and showcase the winning cities' achievements in smart tourism.

Speakers:

• Maurizio Vitale: Chairman, Turismo Torino e Provincia, Italy
• Cristina Cerutti, Tourism Monitor Officer, Turismo Torino e Provincia, Italy
• Leire Bilbao: Managing Director, Visit Benidorm, Spain

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG MOVE

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital & #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

In this episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we explore how the EU is helping destinations across Europe make tourism more sustainable and resilient. Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW, is joined by Marlène Bartès also Policy Officer at the European Commission to discuss the Sustainable EU Tourism Project, which connects destinations to share practical solutions for challenges like reducing environmental impact, supporting local economies, and preserving cultural heritage.

Learn about the 50 best practices selected from over 300 case studies and discover how destinations like Majorca (Spain), the Azores (Portugal), and Montafon (Austria) are leading the way with replicable initiatives. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming workshops, webinars, and resources designed to foster collaboration and innovation in sustainable tourism.

For more information and to explore best practices from EU destinations, visit the #SustainableEUTourism website: www.europa.eu/!B9HpWf 


In this episode, we explore the key element driving the future of tourism - data. We take a closer look at how cities are using data to enhance their tourism offer, manage visitor flows and create targeted campaigns.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW, together with experts on the topic, discuss how cities are using data beyond collecting numbers and how it can be used for story-telling alongside preserving cultural heritage and even contributing to sustainability.

Speakers:

• Siobhán Daly: expert on responsible tourism management and sustainable tourism.
• Helena Egan: expert on tourism digitalisation, CEO and co-founder of the consultancy Planet Egan.

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG GROW.

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital and #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

In this episode, we dive into the latest innovations in smart public transport, bike-sharing, and real-time traffic management, explore how these advancements are making cities more accessible and sustainable.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW, together with experts on the topic, discuss the challenges policymakers face in this rapidly evolving field and highlight unique schemes that enhance the experiences of both tourists and residents. Join us as we take a closer look at the future of urban mobility in tourism and discover how these cutting-edge solutions are shaping our cities.

Speakers:

• Nick Hall: Leading industry expert on digital tourism and founder of the Digital Tourism Think Tank.
• Evelina Castro: Marketing strategist, city of Helsingborg, Sweden.

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG GROW.

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital and #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

Smart gets you further - Off-season Tourism

In the twelfth episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we discuss the importance of off-season tourism and the benefits of promoting travelling during the low season. As seasonal tourism has a negative impact not only on the environment, but also on local communities and the employment landscape, more destinations are recognising the need to promote tourism all year round.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW, together with experts on the topic, explore opportunities for EU destinations to leverage off-season experiences and ways to encourage visitors to return later in the year.

Speakers:

• Prof. Xavier Font: professor of sustainability marketing at the University of Surrey, the UK.
• Evelina Castro: marketing strategist, city of Helsingborg, Sweden.
• Mieke Renders: heritage specialist, rural regeneration and urban initiatives consultant, Sweden.

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG GROW.

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital and #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

Show notes: Find out more about the EU-funded project on experiential tourism extending the tourism season: https://www.tourismexperience.org/

Smart gets you further - Your Guide to Success in Smart Tourism Competitions

In the eleventh episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we are celebrating the launch of the 2025 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions and looking back at previous winners and their success stories.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW together with representatives of previous winner cities, discuss the best practices and initiatives implemented in smart tourism categories of accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation and cultural heritage and creativity.

Speakers:

• Edouard Deteyssiere: Tourism office of Bordeaux Metropol.
• Julie Benisty Oviedo: Sustainable tourism manager of Bordeaux tourism and convention office.
• Morten Westergaard: Climate manager, Middelfart Municipality.
• Henna Siltanen: Senior advisor in Smart Tourism and Digital Development at the Tourism and Destination Management Unit at the City of Helsinki.
• Jennifer Hohmann: Tourism officer, Culture department, Karlsruhe Tourism.

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG GROW

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital and #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/

Smart gets you further - The 2024 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism winners

In the tenth episode of the EU Smart Tourism Podcast, we are introducing and celebrating the winners of the 2024 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism - Dublin (Ireland) and Grosseto (Italy). We will have a look at Dublin’s transformation into a smart tourism destination and Grosseto’s sustainable and slow tourism approach.

Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, DG GROW together with representatives of the winner cities, discuss the importance of the award and showcase the winning cities' achievements in smart tourism.

Speakers:

• Barry Rogers: Head of Dublin City Tourism Unit, Ireland
• Valentina Mecacci: Tourism Office, Municipality of Grosseto, Italy

Host: Misa Labarile, Policy Officer of the European Commission, DG GROW

Find out more about smart tourism and the #EUTourismCapital & #EUGreenPioneer competitions at the initiative website: https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/