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Educational programmes and activities
Preserving cultural heritage is achieved through educational programs and activities, with institutions such as the History Museum of Lithuania Minor, the Sea Museum and the Klaipeda City Municipality Centre of Ethnic Culture 49 organising diverse educational initiatives. These programs provide participants with insights into traditional crafts and the history of the region. Additionally, ethnic-origin national holidays such as Easter, Christmas Eve, Shrovetide and St. John's Day are celebrated with events adhering to ethnic traditions. The preservation of traditional costumes is another aspect, with these garments showcased in history museums, worn by members of folk groups during performances and donned during traditional festivals, national events and fairs by performers and craftsmen-vendors alike. Find out more via: https://www.klaipeda.lt/en/
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Hışva Inn
Situated along Culture Road and meticulously restored by Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Hışva Inn, recipient of the 15th Year Special Award in 2014 for preserving historical and cultural heritage, has served as a unique hotel-restaurant-shop since August 2016. Renowned for representing Gaziantep's culinary culture globally, the restaurant showcases ancestral recipes, emphasising the use of traditional materials like stones, marbles and coppers in both accommodation and dining areas. Positioned opposite Gaziantep Castle, its strategic location on the historical bazaar route enhances its appeal, offering extraordinary experiences for locals and tourists alike. Operated by a local woman, the inn radiates Gaziantep hospitality, providing guests with historical food flavours and modern amenities, contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Find out more via: https://hsvhn.com
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Xixón Cider Route
The ‘Xixón Cider Route’ invites Gijón visitors to engage in one of the region's most authentic traditions by exploring local ‘llagares’. Apples and cider are 43 integral to the history and culture of the Asturian people, reflecting a heritage rooted in ancient traditions, customs and myths passed down through generations. This cultural legacy has made a lasting impact on music, painting, literature, poetry and folk wisdom, shaping the social fabric of Asturias. Gijón holds the distinction of being the largest producer of Asturian cider, a beverage that not only stands as a symbol of the region but also serves as a social catalyst for community gatherings. Find out more via: https://www.gijon.es/en/turismo/xixon-cider-route
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Culture in one click
The city, in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities, launched the ‘Pass Découverte Grand Paris Nord’ digital pass in 2022, offering visitors discounted access to a wide range of cultural, sports and entertainment events, as well as tours in Saint-Denis and the surrounding region. This free digital pass is available to both tourists and residents. Find out more via: https://www.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com/en/usefull/grand-paris-nord-discovery-pass 39
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Promotion of digital applications
In Gaziantep, the commitment to digital innovation extends across various crucial sectors. Among diverse applications, KART27 GAZİANTEP stands out as a comprehensive transportation tool, detailing schedules for buses, trains and trams. It also serves as an access card to municipal museums, streamlining services. Tourists can access specialised tourism apps, providing information on events, destinations, transportation and more. The women-friendly city app encourages participation in activities, competitions and offers free benefits. All digital tourism apps are easily downloadable from citywide free Wi-Fi spots, providing information on shuttles to ancient cities. Additionally, Youth-Friendly Gaziantep and Child-Friendly Gaziantep apps cater to visitors of all ages, offering details in both English and Turkish for seamless navigation of accommodations and transportation. Find out more via: https://online.gaziantepkart.com.tr/#/home
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‘Trafiku Urban’ mobile app
The ‘Trafiku Urban’ mobile app is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of digital information on public transport. Available for download, this app represents a significant step toward making transportation in the city more user-friendly. As part of broader efforts to improve mobility for both residents and tourists, Prishtina is actively implementing smart transportation systems. These include integrated ticketing systems for public transport, providing real-time updates and schedules, introducing smart parking solutions and launching bike-sharing programs. Looking ahead to 38 2024, the city plans to expand its offerings by installing electric vehicle charging stations, further promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Through the ‘Trafiku Urban’ app and these innovative initiatives, Prishtina is empowering tourists to navigate the city seamlessly and make informed decisions about their travel choices. Find out more via: https://trafikurban-pr.com/2022/
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Innovative digital municipal solutions
Partly funded by the ‘EU for municipalities’ programmethis project contributes to increase quality of living in the municipality of Tetovo through the digitalisation of municipal services. This has been achieved by the application of ICT solutions for improving urban and inspectors’ municipal services, by building the capacity of municipal and related staff for using the ICT platform, as well as by advocating ICT services’ use by citizens and enterprises. The Action is planning to digitise most of municipal services, train staff and citizens/businesses, resulting in greater level of collection of municipal earmarked funds and allocating more time for further investments in key investments in smart urbanism, inspection services and environmental protection. This is in line with the overall objective of the programme and priority issues to strengthen the capacity of local self-government in order to cope with the full range of local competencies. Find out more via: https://tetova.gov.mk
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‘Istanbul is yours’ app
‘Istanbul is Yours’ represents a new-age smart city application designed for the convenience of Istanbul residents, offering easy access to various services through mini applications within the platform. This ambitious project features a 36 cutting-edge mobile application with a secure digital payment infrastructure, meaning it can centralise all municipal applications for Istanbul residents. Positioned as the initial phase of a broader vision centred on community well-being and city service, the application is empowering citizens to access accurate city developments, express their opinions and actively participate in city management. Find out more via: https://istanbulsenin.istanbul/
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Our Destination Online
On the recently revamped visitor site, visithelsingborg.com, each visitor attraction is displayed on an interactive map, that includes 35 a filter function, allowing visitors to search according to their preferences. Visitors can easily plan and create a list of favourites that can be shared via a link. The site has an integrated booking platform GoToHUB. For tourists, this means that the offerings such as accommodation, entrance tickets and activities can all be booked from this single source. Find out more via: https://visithelsingborg.com/
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Digital applications
‘SeSaMoNet’ and ‘Piazza Duomo in Parma in 3D’ enable visually impaired people to visit museums, places of art and culture. Another digital application ‘Via Francigena’ makes it possible for tourists to ‘transform’ into pilgrims along the ancient route that led from Canterbury to Rome and then on to Santa Maria di Leuca, passing, of course, through Parma. Find out more via: https://www.3d-archeolab.it/portfolio-items/piazza-duomo-a-parma-in-3d-da-vedere-da-toccare/
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The bremerhavenguide app
The bremerhavenguide app was developed to make the city's regional and cultural features more visible. The app gives access to thematic city tours and individual stops. In cooperation with the Historical Museum and the support of other cultural actors such as the German Emigration Centre, the Zoo by the Sea and the City Theatre, a tour on the history of the city's origins was developed. The content of the tour is conveyed with the help of videos, audio stories, images and texts. In addition, impressive presence experiences are created through the integration of augmented reality elements. Find out more via: https://www.bremerhaven.de/de/aktuelles/presse-tourismus/bremerhavenguide-fuehrt-digital-durch-die-stadt.130240.html
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Technology-enabled tourist information
the ‘Cork.ie’ touchscreen tourism kiosks are a network of 16 touch screens in locations around the city which provide visitors with detailed information and maps on Cork’s tourist attractions, festivals, music venues, restaurants, pubs, traditional music, events, theatres and accommodation, in 8 different languages. The information is updated by the service provider on a daily basis to ensure that the service users get accurate information. Content searches are monitored, and statistics are gathered to improve the kiosk service and review what visitors are most interested in. There were approximately 71,000 page requests in 2023 via these kiosks. The online Cork City & East Cork Digital Brochure and West Cork Digital Brochures not only provide basic information about visiting the city and county but are also packed full of ideas and sample itineraries, designed for different demographics, all of which encourage the visitor to get out and connect with nature, art and culture in the city and region. ‘No Car No Stress’, ‘Family Fun Little Legs’ and ‘Foot Loose & Fancy Free’ are just some of the itineraries proposed by the site, which is integrated into the Discover Ireland website, the official tourism source for domestic holidays in Ireland. The Explore Cork App for the whole of the county was also launched by Cork County Council, providing a unique, one-stop-shop tourism app, featuring over 850 places to see and things to do in Cork (available in four languages). Find out more via: Cork City and East Cork Digital Brochure 33
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Social sustainability and skills
Helsingborg is striving to keep skilled workers within the tourism industry. One example is WorkWalk, which annually involves around 1,200 teenagers who visit various companies in several sectors, including hospitality. In 2023, WorkWalk offered a career fair that attracted 2,500 students and 37 potential employers. Helsingborg is also home to Sweden's only upper secondary school with a hotel and tourism focus certified by the industry organisation Visita. In collaboration with the hospitality industry, education has been created according to the needs of the labour market. Another project is DM, a new marketplace concept placed in socially disadvantaged areas. IKEA has developed DM in close collaboration with the city, its citizens and other partners because IKEA wants to explore how they can actively ‘do more’ to develop cities and be a driving force in sustainable community development. Find out more via: https://familjenhelsingborg.se/foretagare/samverkan-skola-arbetsliv/workwalk/
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Genova Outdoor
Genova Outdoor is a new project representing an important milestone in the process of making Genoa a European capital of eco-sustainable outdoor tourism. It includes 26 itineraries, each of them equipped with safety information, GPS tracking and scale map, all reachable and usable by public transport and smart mobility to propose a model of cultural, sustainable and eco-compatible tourism. 31 Find out more via: https://www.visitgenoa.it/en/outdoors
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Dublin Coastal Trail
In Dublin, there are over 1600 Dublin Bikes in the open bike-sharing network. Coupled with over 190 km of cycle routes, this makes two wheels the best way to explore all that Dublin has to offer. Thanks to these new and innovative initiatives, exploring the city, coast and Biosphere on Dublin's newest Coastal Mobility Route has never been easier. This route spans over 3.6 km, offering a dedicated cycling and walking path along Dublin's coastline. Since its inauguration in 2020, the Coastal Mobility Route has evolved into a vital sustainable transport corridor for Dublin, effectively distributing visitors more 30 sustainably throughout the city. The route is now equipped with smart sensors to measure its usage. Find out more via: https://www.ireland.com/en-us/magazine/built-heritage/dublin-coastal-trail/
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‘Donostia Green Destination’
SanSebastianTourism’ recently created the brand ‘Donostia Green Destination’ along with its partner local enterprises, including a specific site to promote Donostia/ SanSebastián as a sustainable destination and invite visitors to experience the city in a sustainable way: sustainable accommodation, restaurants, plans, interactive (and accessible) routes. 29 Find out more via: https://www.sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/come/donostia-sustainable-destination
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Tourism Development Strategy
The Municipality of Iasi aims to become Romania's premier urban tourist destination with a distinctive cultural identity, emphasising creativity and community cohesion to offer unique and impactful tourist experiences. Ongoing efforts involve updating and expanding the strategy to the region, with a key emphasis on citizen consultation in decisions impacting their quality of life, particularly in the development of green spaces and parks in the city centre. Notably, local NGOs actively contribute to creating urban natural areas, fostering community engagement through initiatives like ‘Tourist at my home,’ while other organisations arrange forest tours and promote events to popularize designated trails. Find out more via: https://www.turism-iasi.ro
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‘Living in Harmony with Nature Strategy’
Izmir's ‘Living in Harmony with Nature Strategy’ aims to make the city a model for sustainable urban development. Established in 2019, the Sustainable Urban Development Network, led by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, involves 31 Turkish cities and fosters an alliance with various stakeholders. The strategy is aligned with global initiatives and organisations and is targeting a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. It focuses on four key principles: integrating nature into the city, managing responsible human-nature interaction, promoting 27 a circular economy and strengthening cultural connections. This approach contributes to Izmir's overall sustainability in social, cultural and economic aspects. Izmir aspires to be an attractive, diversified tourism destination, emphasising environmental resource use, economic balance and biodiversity preservation. The city's roadmap includes the Green City Action Plan and Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan. As the first Turkish city to join the EBRD's Green Cities Program, Izmir is taking significant steps toward a resilient and harmonious future. Find out more via: https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/peynircioglu-stream-ecological-restoration-project
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Pioneering circular economy measures
In 2023, Segittur selected Gijón as one of the four pilot destinations to implement sustainable practices within the circular economy. These initiatives encompass the conservation of energy and non-renewable resources, the self-production of renewable energy, the incorporation of recycled products, the promotion of local and seasonal items and efforts to minimise waste generation in tourist establishments. Find out more via: https://www.gijon.es/en
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‘Gaziray’ train system
The city boasts easy accessibility through various modes of transportation, including planes, trains and buses. Notably, the ‘Gaziray’ train system, inaugurated as one of the major transport projects of 2022, enhances urban mobility. This user-friendly system facilitates convenient transportation to the ancient city of Dülük, situated on the outskirts of the city. Additionally, it ensures connectivity to every part of the city, facilitating smooth navigation through tram and bus transfers for all. Find out more via: https://gaziulas.com.tr/hizmetler/gaziray/gaziray-genel-bilgi
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Istanbul Travel Card
The Istanbul travel card facilitates seamless intermodal access within the transportation system, promoting sustainable transportation practices. The accompanying application, designed for both urban transport and shopping, is accessible in both Turkish and English. Furthermore, passengers have the option to make payments using QR codes for urban transport in Istanbul. Along with a route and guide kit, the card empowers residents and visitors to easily utilise public transport services. It offers flexible options of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 15 days of unlimited access to urban transport, as well as entry to city lines, Bosporus Tours and museums under IMM's jurisdiction. These cards are conveniently available for purchase at ticket machines and various accessible sales points throughout the city. 21 Find out more via: https://visit.istanbul/istanbul-card
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Odense Tramway
In 2022 the tramway opened in Odense. It ensures easy and accessible, green public transportation between busy hotspots (the University, the new 20 hospital opening in ultimo 2025/early 2026 and the central train station), leisure activities (city centre, shopping centre, the Hans Christian Andersen House and the stadium) and residential areas. The tramway is a major part of the commuter infrastructure and provides alternative transport to large-scale events at the University, stadium, or concert areas in and around the city. In 2023 Odense Letbane, the company behind the tramway, started to collaborate with local events, such as ‘Sportslørdag’ and ‘Eventyrløbet’ to offer free transportation for participants at the events. The tramway is considered the most inclusive and accessible transportation, due in no small part to the accessibility group that provided consultation during the planning and construction of the tram. The accessibility group, formed by Odense Letbane, consisted of people with different disabilities or special needs who spoke on behalf of relevant interest organisations. The result is a unique insight into which accessibility features we must implement on the tram and at tram stations. Find out more via: https://www.odenseletbane.dk/english
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World-class hospitality
The city currently offers 25 InfoPoints in existing visitor destinations located around the city. Staff at thesite speak, at a minimum Swedish and English and are trained several times a year in destination knowledge and service. The approach has resulted in a more significant commitment to the destination, focusing on co-creation and increased accessibility for visitors. InfoPoints represent an aspect of physical access to information. VisitHelsingborg.com website is the digital counterpart. The new and improved website, launched in 2023, offers inspiration to visitors in a simple and easy informative way, with links to local businesses and our social media channels. The site meets the highest level of accessibility according to the international standard WCAG and is available in several languages. To create a user-friendly all-in-one experience, the digital booking tool GoToHUB is integrated into the website, allowing visitors to be informed and directly book destination experiences. Find out more via: https://visithelsingborg.com/
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Tourist events for people with disabilities
The city of Parma puts on a wide range of events for people with disabilities. This includes ‘Frega Keep Dreaming’ (performances by international DJs with and without disabilities); ‘Blue Screen’ (‘autism friendly screenings’ of movies, that allow those with sensory impairments to enjoy the cinematic experience in the theatre); Dinners in the Dark (dedicated events for the visually impaired); ‘Journey in the Music of Miecio Horszowski’ (exhibition with a cartoon guide for people with cognitive disabilities).Find out more via: https://www.parmawelcome.it/en/
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Removing barriers at the beach
Genoa is proudly working to remove architectural barriers on its eight municipal beaches. The project, costing 70 000 €, is being carried out in partnership with the Municipal Council for the Disabled. It concerns the construction of slope ramps on pavements, the installation of handrails, tactile maps and the restoration of existing wooden ramps. 12 Find out more via: https://smart.comune.genova.it/comunicati-stampa-articoli/accessibilit%C3%A0-al-gli-interventi-di-abbattimento-delle-barriere