3 European cities of innovation and what they're doing to build a better future

Innovation is more important than ever for destinations looking to adapt to the rapidly changing world. Today, many travel hotspots are focusing on creative solutions to welcome people from all backgrounds and improve accessibility. While providing improved access and digital tools for visitors, the most innovative cities are also simultaneously helping their local communities and economies by improving recreational spaces, preserving nature and encouraging people to shop local.

Initiatives like the European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Destination of Excellence celebrate forward-thinking practices in cities across the continent. Here are some of the ways this year’s winners, Seville, Paphos and Kranj, are paving the way for more enjoyable and inclusive travel.

1. Seville, Spain

The capital of Andalucia has long been popular for its striking Moorish architecture and abundant sunshine, but it’s fast emerging as a centre of innovation, too. Firstly, there are a number of apps that have made it on to the scene to assist all. Top among these is the multi-language Seville Accessible app, which offers information on accessibility and mobility, as well as regular updates on just how crowded a public space is, making it safer and easier for those with disabilities to enjoy the city’s sights and sounds.The app’s features also include a map that updates in real-time, alerting users to any obstacles or road conditions that could impact their trip.

Seville is rich in World Heritage Sites, with attractions including the cathedral, the Alcázar and the Indies Archives. All three can now be better explored with the help of the World Heritage app and portal, along with thousands of other sites worldwide, meaning instant information for visitors — and goodbye to paper pamphlets.

Separately, visitors can download the Real Alcazar de Sevilla app that uses augmented and virtual reality to provide an enhanced experience of the Alcázar of Seville, the famous walled royal palaces filled with historical treasures and surrounded by magnificent gardens.

Also available is Kleos Sevilla, an app that plays different sounds when users approach certain flowers and plants — essentially providing a live soundtrack and an enriched experience.

Seville has also employed various initiatives to make the city a cleaner and
more navigable place for visitors and residents. These include extensions to tram, train and bus networks, as well as a pilot project to turn the Cartuja neighbourhood into a low-emission zone, and plans to protect air quality in areas that receive high numbers of visitors.

As a city that’s feeling the effects of climate change, with summer temperatures soaring, Seville is also involved in international collaborations such as Life Watercool, a project that aims to optimise water consumption and help the city to adapt to heat waves.

2. Paphos, Cyprus

Once the capital of Cyprus, the entire city of Paphos is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with attractions including the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, an ancient Byzantine fort built in the 13th century and a beautiful Old Town made up of twisting cobbled streets.

Thanks to some digital innovation, some of Paphos’ most iconic sites can now be experienced in a new and exciting way. When visiting the archaeological park, for example, visitors can download an app that provides an audio guide in several languages, giving interesting facts on many of the monuments. Virtual tours guide travellers around the site, showcasing hidden corners and tucked-away treasures. Getting there is made easier with the new Smart Parking system, which uses residents’ and visitors’ smartphones to provide real-time updates on available parking slots.

Paphos also has more than 400 miles of cycle paths in and around the city, with scenic routes supported by signs featuring QR codes known as Smart Signs; these provide in-depth information to help cyclists get around.

Out of the saddle, the city encourages tourism on foot, with an abundance of nature trails winding around the area. Consider the Ezousa Nature Trail, a moderate five-mile walk taking in a viewpoint from the village church, dedicated to Saint Ilarion the Great and perched on a hill above Paphos.

The environment takes priority here, and Paphos’ local beaches are pristine sweeps of golden sand, while many have been awarded Blue Flag status for their impeccable water quality. Furthering environmental efforts, there are also low-carbon, e-mobility systems such as electric minibuses, e-ticketing and e-vehicle charging stations.

Paphos is making strides to becoming more accessible, with the coastal area and Old Town connected by an electric bus service. Smart bus shelters provide audio and video services and ramps make tourist attractions far easier to navigate.

While all-inclusive hotels were once a top choice, visitors are encouraged to consider local alternatives, boosting spending on shopping, dining and art and craft workshops to support local businesses and economy.

3. Kranj, Slovenia

Known as the capital of the Slovenian Alps and a city seeped in history, Kranj is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and bursts with charm, sandwiched between Ljubljana and the stunning Lake Bled.

Getting around Kranj is easy; the city has the biggest bike rental network in Slovenia. There’s no need for cyclists to buy bottled water here, either, thanks to the 12 drinking fountains that have been installed. Gorenjska bike is a sharing system covering seven municipalities, where you can rent a bike in one place and return it in another. More than 40% of bikes are electric and there are over 50 stations, so there’s the option to go further afield, taking in gems such as the pretty towns of Radovljica and Škofja Loka.

Getting around in a green way has been a real focus point in this city. The Sustainable Mobility Centre, opened in 2021, offers information on how to navigate Kranj in an environmentally friendly way, from car and bike sharing to public transport.

What’s more, the city also officially opened the Slovenian National Anthem Park, a new green space that connects nature with cultural heritage, and won the silver Sejalec for its underground tunnels initiative.

Located in the city’s 110-foot-long Second World War tunnels, which run underneath the old town, the SOS Info Centre Proteus reveals the curious and little-known lives of endangered olms, Europe’s only cave-dwelling vertebrate.

Visitors keen to try local food can join the Kranj Long Table, a 100-person dining experience held in the manicured gardens of Khislstein Castle. With a goal of promoting planet-friendly practices, such as avoiding single-use plastic, it also serves seasonal, locally sourced produce, and encourages diners to take leftovers home. From Khislstein Castle to the city’s ancient church bell tower, heritage is painstakingly preserved in Kranj. Visitors can wander its winding streets is to see the past and the future sitting beautifully side by side.