Zadar Shortlisted in the 2027 European Capital of Tourism Competition

This year, the European Commission merged two existing initiatives, the European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, into a new title: European Capitals of Tourism. Cities were assessed on sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and their approach to cultural heritage, creativity and local talent.

In both categories, the shortlist was expanded from four to eight cities, as experts found the overall quality of applications to be high and several cities achieved the same score.

In Zadar’s category, 40 cities from 17 countries submitted applications. Joining Zadar on the shortlist are Calais in France; Calvià and Ibiza in Spain; Geestland in Germany; Nova Gorica in Slovenia; Sandanski in Bulgaria; and Selçuk in Türkiye. Zadar therefore finds itself alongside renowned Mediterranean destinations as well as cities that have made significant strides in recent years in developing sustainable and technologically advanced tourism-management models.

“For Zadar, reaching the final stage is particularly significant because the cities were not assessed according to visitor numbers, overnight stays or the recognition of their attractions, but rather according to how they respond to the challenges tourism brings to local communities. European experts assessed sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and the approach to cultural heritage, creativity and local talent,” said Iva Bencun, Director of the Zadar Tourist Board.

Representatives of all shortlisted cities will present their candidacies before a European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2026.

“Being shortlisted already represents an important international recognition for tourism in Zadar. Zadar is recognised as a destination that is continuously developing and raising its quality standards. Through the new Zadar Destination Management Plan 2026–2030, we aim to achieve greater tourism sustainability, which means protecting the needs of local residents while enhancing the authenticity of our offer. We want to be good hosts to all our guests,” said Mayor Šime Erlić.

He added that, as a city, Zadar must achieve greater order in the use of space and maintain a balance between tourism development and the quality of life of its residents.

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