ZAGREB, 26 March (Hina) – The European Commission’s top award for small tourism destinations leading in sustainable and smart tourism, “European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026”, was presented to the City of Dubrovnik on Thursday at the Lazareti complex.

Dubrovnik won the title last November, ahead of seven other European destinations: Geestland (Germany), Ibiza (Spain), Laois (Ireland), Mariagerfjord and Rebild (Denmark), Marmaris (Turkey) and Tartu (Estonia).

In the category for large destinations (over 100,000 residents), the award went to Tampere, Finland.

Mayor Mato Franković recalled the start of his 2017 term, when Dubrovnik was labelled an example of excessive mass tourism to be avoided.

We recognised the issue and concluded the problem was not the numbers themselves, but their distribution by hour, day, week and year. Dubrovnik welcomes all visitors, but within clear rules and regulation. There is no sustainability without firm rules. Only with them can we keep our cities alive, he said.

The award was presented by European Commission representative Andreea Staicu, who noted Dubrovnik’s experience as a valuable contribution to the EU’s sustainability efforts.

You demonstrated vision, ambition and commitment, impressing our jury. In 2026, Dubrovnik will lead towards a more accessible and sustainable visitor experience, while putting residents first. The title recognises destinations with outstanding results in sustainable tourism, and Dubrovnik has exceeded them, Staicu said.

The Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism award succeeds the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) initiative, launched by the Commission in 2007. Previous winners include Grosseto (Italy) for 2024 and Benidorm (Spain) for 2025.

The award recognises European cities excelling in sustainability, digital transformation, smart mobility, energy efficiency, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.