Lisbon and Dublin have just won honors from the European Commission, with Lisbon designated for 2024 as the European Capital of Innovation and Dublin as the Capital of Smart Tourism.
The awards are among a number of annual honors for which cities compete; each comes with publicity and support, including some financial, to continue the programs that won them the award.
Dublin, which beat out 29 other entrants from 17 countries, was cited, among others for two of its museums, 14 Henrietta Street and the EPIC emigration museum. The citation says that “This city immersed in a rich tapestry of history, is a city full of culture and creativity. Now hailed for its commitment to sustainability and a strategic smart tourism vision and outstanding achievements, it has impressed the jury,”
Lisbon’s award recognizes the city’s Unicorn Factory program that has “In just 2 years … attracted 54 new technology centres to Lisbon from 23 countries, announced 10,000 jobs, launched 13 incubation and acceleration programs, tripled the number of incubated start-ups.”
Image: EPIC, Dublin (PHeymont/TravelGumbo
