Items

• The German Maritime Museum
  Bremerhaven's maritime heritage is reflected in the city’s German Maritime Museum. The museum combines exhibition and research activities and, as the Leibniz Institute for Maritime History, is part of the renowned Leibniz Association. The museum's outstanding exhibits include the unique hanseatic cog from 1380 and a large number of historic ships in the museum harbour. In 2025, the city is also hosting ‘Sail Bremerhaven’, a maritime event, which will involve more than 250 ships (many of them built in Bremerhaven), together with over 3,500 crew members. Over 1.2 million visitors are expected to attend and the city is eager to give their guests a fitting welcome. Find out more via: https://www.dsm.museum/en/
• UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein
  The UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein was once the most productive and modern coal mine and coking plant in the world. The former industrial buildings have now been transformed into something completely new; the site now contains a dance theatre (Pact Zollverein), the Ruhr Museum, a visitor centre, as well as various commercial properties and restaurants. During the conversion of the listed buildings, care was taken to ensure that the industrial character was still recognisable. A great deal of the machinery was also preserved, meaning the former technical function of the complex remained recognisable. 47 Find out more via: https://www.zollverein.de/zollverein-unesco-world-heritage-site/
• City-wide free WiFi
  In response to the growing demand for connectivity, Iasi has implemented a citywide initiative to provide free WiFi access in public spaces, including all parks, facilitated by ‘Smart Benches’ strategically placed around the city. These benches also provide complimentary electrical outlets for visitors to charge their mobile devices. This commitment to connectivity extends to numerous bars, restaurants, and coffee shops across the city, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the convenience of free internet access in various public venues.Find out more via: https://www.turism-iasi.ro
• Technology developments
  Through a digital solution using VR technology, Kärnan (the iconic medieval tower Kärnan is a famous landmark in Helsingborg) helps younger visitors to understand a bygone historical era. In an app, children can immerse themselves in the medieval period around Kärnan and be part of life through a game. The user can move around the environment and get a visual picture of what it looked like at that time around Kärnan. The game was developed with pupils aged 7-12 at one of the city's schools and is free to download for anyone with a smartphone. Inside Kärnan, the result of another innovation project was also launched in May 2023: a digital story where technology conveys image, sound and new knowledge through projection on the walls of the tower. With the help of digitalisation and technology, Kärnan is more relevant than ever and attracts new visitors thanks to the exciting intersection of history and technology. Find out more via: https://innovation-helsingborg-se.translate.goog/initiativ/digitalt-pa-karnan/?_x_tr_sl=sv&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=sv&_x_tr_pto=wapp 42
• Discovery trails city app
  Dublin Discovery Trails app helps bring the city's stories and communities to life. ‘Doors into the Docklands’ is the first trail released on the app and it is an innovative way to see the history of the Docklands come to life through smart technology. The app guides the user on a journey of discovery to some of the Docklands’ most loved sites and attractions, enabling them to uncover compelling stories of Dublin’s culture, heritage and history. A visitor can experience everything from the Guinness barges sailing down the River Liffey, to the Crimean banquet held in the CHQ or the story of the famine statues. The app has been a huge success since its launch with over 4000 downloads and an average dwell time of +30 minutes per user. The platform is also innovative from a procurement point of view as it its Ireland’s first immersive shared platform, meaning that tourism stakeholders can concentrate their resources on developing immersive experiences on one single platform for Dublin. 41 Find out more via: https://dublindiscoverytrails.ie/
• Digital training for private businesses
  DSS Market Plaza is an online sales platform that helps businesses in their digital transformation while providing consumers with a virtual space where they can buy sustainably in local shops. Digital Dend@k offers advice on digital tools for retail businesses and financial aid to acquire computers. Also, San Sebastián Tourism offers digital training to its more than 325 private partners and the City Council has launched innovative projects to develop the digital skills of a strategic sector in the city: commerce. Its more than 2.500 retail establishments employ more than 12.500 people.Find out more via: https://dssmarketplaza.eus/es/
• Street Art Avenue
  The banks of the Saint Denis canal, inaugurated in 1821, are a leisure area lined with cycle paths that can be followed from Paris. The Canal lies on the Seine à Vélo cycle route which ends at Le Havre in Normandy and on the Avenue Verte, which links Paris and London from the forecourt of Notre Dame Cathedral. Here, tourists can explore the vibrant frescoes of the Street Art Avenue as they cycle alongside the Canal, showcasing the city’s commitment to bridging the gap between art and sports, even beyond the major sporting events. Find out more via: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/transport/street-art-avenue-p2015
• Sustainability in Tourism
  Visit Cork’s Sustainability Strategy 2023 – 2030 outlines the ambition for Visit Cork to be the best Destination Marketing Organisation in Ireland. Social sustainability is increasingly a focus, with 85% of tourism sector respondents in a recent survey engaging in some form of charitable of community engagement activity. Business tourism activity is led by the Cork Convention Bureau (CCB) and is putting an increasing focus on legacy and regeneration. CCB has developed a guide to social sustainability initiatives for conference visitors and groups. These business visitors are not only being encouraged to take steps to ensure that their events create ‘zero-waste’ and are as sustainable as possible, but they are also encouraged to consider participating in events and activities that give something back to the local community.Find out more via: https://www.purecork.ie/pages/sustainability
• Germia Park
  Germia Park in Prishtina stands as a prime example of the city's commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable practices. Recognising the significance of green spaces, the Municipality has undertaken efforts to reinvigorate and enhance Germia Park. The park now boasts newly created pathways, catering to activities such as walking, running, biking and various outdoor pursuits. This revitalisation aligns with the municipality's broader focus on bringing dilapidated recreational areas back to life, as well as establishing new ones. Germia Park, with its renewed infrastructure and emphasis on eco-friendly experiences, not only promotes sustainable tourism but also provides both residents and visitors with a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment to appreciate and engage with nature. Find more out at: https://www.kosovo-vacations.com/germia-park.html28
• Tree planting campaign
  The ‘I want to plant a tree!’ campaign, initiated by Lviv in 2020, represents a commendable effort to enhance urban green spaces. This community-driven initiative invites residents to actively participate in seasonal tree planting, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the city's environmental well-being. Notably, in March-April 2023, over 200 trees were planted through this campaign, creating a climate alley along the city's central avenue. Additionally, Lviv has appointed dedicated gardeners for each city district and park since 2021. This ensures ongoing care and maintenance of planted trees, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of urban greenery. Moreover, the city has integrated a mandatory requirement for planting or replacing old trees when reconstructing streets. State Company for the Management of Tourism Innovation and Technologies 26 Find out more via: https://lviv.travel/en
• Sustainable agriculture workshops
  The workshops organised by the Agricultural Training School, under the jurisdiction of the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Agriculture, provide a unique opportunity for both local and international tourists to immerse themselves in the principles of sustainable agriculture. Notably, the active involvement of women from neighbouring villages, showcasing their products, adds a dynamic dimension to these workshops. Participants, both local and foreign, engage in hands-on activities such as cooking with freshly harvested produce, preparing vegetables for drying and actively participating in sowing and planting exercises. Beyond offering tourists an 24 authentic experience in an agricultural setting, these workshops contribute to the economic empowerment of residents in the surrounding villages, creating a mutually beneficial environment. Find more out via: https://gaziantep.goturkiye.com/
• Leadership for climate change action
  Dublin is focused on transforming into a more sustainable tourism destination that benefits everyone. The city has incorporated the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UNWTO Sustainable Tourism definition into its tourism development strategies and frameworks. Additionally, in 2023, Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, has become an official UN Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism in the heart of Dublin city. Dublin is the first Irish city to sign the UN Glasgow Declaration on Sustainable Tourism development, providing the city with a structured roadmap and reference point to achieve sustainable tourism goals. Recognising the need for more progress, 1100 Dublin locals were recently surveyed to gauge their perception of Dublin as a sustainable tourism destination. Only 35% felt that Dublin currently meets this criterion. As a result, the city has made it a top priority to integrate tourism sustainability at the core of its programs. Find out more via: https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/environment/dublin-city-councils-climate-change-action-plan-2019-2024/dublin-city-council-climate-action-plan-2019-2024
• Free Bicycle Service
  BÍSIM (Rent a Bike in Izmir) provides a bicycle service that promotes inclusivity by offering complimentary services not only for cyclists but also for individuals with specific mobility requirements. BÍSIM stations feature a distinctive device connecting bicycles and wheelchairs, enabling wheelchair users to accompany bicycles, complete with charging units for wheelchairs. The service also encompasses specially designed tandem bikes for individuals with partial sight, enhancing accessibility and ensuring a broad spectrum of users can avail themselves of the service. Find out more via: http://www.bisim.com.tr
• Bike and car-sharing services
  The ‘Mi Muovo’ card gives users access to a network of 250 bicycles divided among 46 stations and the first 30 minutes are always free. Furthermore, with the Bicincittà APP, visitors can have access to 300 shared e-bikes, which they can use on Parma’s 160 km of bicycle lanes. These bike paths don’t just help cyclists get around Parma, they also connect with neighbouring towns; a development enabled by the municipality’s ‘Biciplan’. For tourists who would prefer not to pedal, there is a network of 900 e-scooters (managed through the DOTT app or TIER app). A free-floating car sharing service is also active in Parma, which allows vehicles to be picked up and dropped off in exclusive parking stalls. The service consists of about 30 vehicles including 4 commercial vehicles. In addition, there are 82 public charging stations in the municipal area for electric vehicles. 18 Find out more via: https://www.infomobility.pr.it/en/bike-sharing/
• Implementation of an Accessibility policy
  Lviv is actively implementing an inclusivity policy to enhance its infrastructure. This involves creating barrier-free pedestrian crossings, complemented by an online map detailing these crossings. To assist visually impaired individuals, 90% of intersections feature sound signals at traffic lights, with ongoing efforts to cover the remaining 10%. Tactile navigation systems are being installed at public transport stops and the city has introduced accessible stops with raised curbs and island stops. About 48% of tram stops are designed for passengers of all categories. Lviv also has improved public transport accessibility, with 56.1% of rolling stock meeting accessibility standards through low-floor vehicles. Furthermore, as of 2023, 30% of hotels on Booking.com cater to people with disabilities. Find out more via: https://lviv.travel/en
• Integral accessibility action plans
  The city has undertaken various initiatives to underscore its unwavering commitment to accessibility, with notable emphasis on the ongoing revision of the Integral Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Plan. Additionally, the Integral Plan for Safe, Sustainable Mobility (PIMSS) of Gijón 2018-2024 has been implemented, which is enhancing road safety and accessibility. These comprehensive plans include key initiatives such as the Parking Plan for People with Reduced Mobility, the establishment of a network of accessible pedestrian routes and the creation of the Municipal Office for Sustainable Mobility and Urban Accessibility (OMMS). Find out more via: https://www.gijon.es/en
• Creating a barrier free cultural landscape
  Iasi´s primary objective is to ensure equal participation for all visitors, including those with disabilities, in creating a culturally inclusive environment. This involves enhancing each point of interest with features such as audio and visual content, sign language and text to guarantee accessibility. Notably, the National Theatre, Romanian Opera, Braunstein Palace (an international multicultural centre) and Turkish Bath (a contemporary art gallery) are designed to be easily accessible, along with commercial centres and cinemas. While some historical buildings currently lack elevators and ramps, ongoing refurbishments aim to incorporate appropriate equipment, fostering improved accessibility for a diverse range of visitors. Find out more via: https://www.turism-iasi.ro
• The Glucksman Gallery
  The Glucksman Gallery in University College Cork is a striking, award-winning architectural structure nestled in a quiet green space by the river on the UCC campus. The Glucksman recently won the Art Museum Award in the 2023 European Museum Academy Awards. The Glucksman team has developed digital programmes and carried out large-scale projects onsite in the gallery spaces, as well as offsite in public spaces. The projects have enabled participants from marginalised and rural communities such as Traveller, refugees, LGBTQ+ and families experiencing homelessness to find a way to express themselves in society through creative agency. 14 Find out more via: https://www.glucksman.org/visit/access
• Protection of cultural heritage
  The City Council has specific programmes to promote and protect local cultural heritage, such as the Basque language. For example, the 53 city is working with a cutting-edge tool called ELE to measure the impact of tourism on the local minority language. Find out more via: https://www.euskadi.eus/evaluacion-del-impacto-linguistico/web01-a2kultur/es/
• STAMP
  STAMP was developed to both support and showcase the value of creative thinking and artistic inspiration in helping to shape a vibrant and attractive city for locals and tourists. One of the project outputs was a pop-up city festival which placed an emphasis on visitors and locals being able to actively experience Cork’s creative offering by ‘doing and making’. This involved 55 separate events in 11 city centre venues, including the animation and ‘meanwhile’ use of some vacant and derelict premises. By shining a light on the tourism potential of Cork’s cultural and creative industries, the STAMP project managed to influence an enhanced focus on the potential of the creative economy into Cork City’s Culture & Creativity Strategy 2018-2022 (part of the National Creative Ireland Programme), which saw an investment of €1.2 million in nearly 100 community-facing projects and events during its lifetime. Working in partnership with 405 creative practitioners/partners, the city enabled approximately 971,000 creative engagements by audiences and participants. Find out more via: https://stampcork.ie/
• A modern city with culture and events
  Brandts Klædefabrik, an old textile mill, has evolved into a creative area with shops, cafes, a cinema, concert venues and Art Museum Brandts. In 2022, Art Museum Brandts broke its visitor record with 113 748 visitors. Odense is the cultural capital of Fyn, with more than 70 regular and recurring events and festivals throughout the year. With visions of creating Denmark’s largest and most sustainable outdoor concert venue, the city embraces its identity as an event city and one of the greenest cities in Denmark. Through the project Cities for Culture, several projects are already on the drawing board to make sustainability the easiest choice for our visitors. Find out more via: https://brandts.dk/
• The ‘Lighting for Genoa’ project
  The ‘Lighting for Genoa’ project involves illuminating the historic centre of Genoa. Each square has been assigned to an Italian lighting designer and all installations are LED low energy consumption. Find out more via: https://www.spacecannonsne.it/portfolio-items/piazza-don-gallo-genova/
• Events celebrating the local cuisine
  The city hosts yearly events such as Festa do Chocolate (Chocolate fair) and Rally Fish. The latter shows off the local cuisine, a sector under continuous development, which is of crucial economic importance in the county. These initiatives attract attention of many visitors and create a unique experience where gastronomy and creativity come together. Find out more via: https://www.cm-matosinhos.pt/servicos-municipais/comunicacao-e-imagem/eventos/evento/rally-fish-38
• 2020-2024 Izmir Strategic Plan
  The 2020-2024 Izmir Strategic Plan aims to preserve and revitalise the city's rich cultural heritage, which extends to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kemeraltı Bazaar, Gediz Delta, Ephesus and Pergamon, Izmir. The new strategy integrates tourist activities with the city's profound cultural legacy, fostering innovation. New initiatives include constructing tourist routes such as Olive Roads, Izmir Heritage Roads, Efeler Roads and Eurovelo Roads. These paths not only highlight the city's natural beauty but also provide avenues for visitors to explore diverse attractions, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing Izmir's touristic offerings. Furthermore, the strategic restoration of the Izmir Port, a significant historical landmark undergoing a six-year renovation, is crucial for achieving the objectives outlined in the plan. Serving as a historical hub on the trade path and attracting domestic and international tourists, the port plays a pivotal role in preserving Izmir's historical heritage. Find out more via: https://www.izmir.bel.tr
• Restoration of Istanbul’s Historical Areas
  The Historic Peninsula of Istanbul encompasses four designated zones recognised as Istanbul Historical Areas, listed as World Heritage Sites. Notable restoration efforts include the City Walls (‘Mevlanakapı’), now accessible to visitors and the completed restoration of Anadolu Hisarı on the Bosporus, with ongoing efforts to restore Rumeli Hisarı. Maintenance and repairs have been concluded for the Column of Goths and Obelisk in Sultanahmet, crucial archaeological assets dating back to the 4th century. Instances like Casa Botter and Sen Piyer Han serve as positive references for public-private partnership projects, illustrating active management of restoration projects, public accessibility and contribution to creative development in restoration efforts across Turkey. 46 Find out more via: https://istanbul.goturkiye.com/