SmartTour: Thematic Workshop in Jesolo concluded with strong commitments for digital and sustainable tourism
More than 30 experts from 9 European regions presented innovative practices of digital transformation and smart mobility. The transnational coordination and overall management of the project has been undertaken by the company “Lever – Development Consultants S.A.”, a member of the “Samaras & Partners” group
Jesolo, Italy – November 20, 2025 – The SmartTour project (Interreg Europe 2021-2027) successfully completed the two-day thematic workshop that took place on November 18–19, 2025 in Jesolo, Italy. The event was attended by all project partners as well as representatives of interested parties, who exchanged good practices on the digital transformation of destinations and the development of sustainable mobility systems.
The SmartTour project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Europe programme.
Participating partners Heraklion Development S.A.E. (Greece), Côte d’Armor Tourisme (France), Experience Bremerhaven (Germany), Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency (Hungary), Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (Cyprus), Sibiu County Tourism Association (Romania), Municipality of Jesolo (Italy), Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism and City Promotion of the Ivano-Frankivsk City Council (Ukraine), Tuzla City Tourism Organisation (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
November 18 – Digital Innovation & Destination Transformation The first day focused on how digital tools and immersive technologies are transforming cultural experiences and enhancing local tourism ecosystems. Examples of virtual storytelling, interactive installations, AI for guided tours and advanced content platforms were presented. Particular emphasis was placed on data-driven decision-making and business intelligence systems that help tourism SMEs improve their competitiveness. Partners presented successful SME support models (audits, mentoring, training) and open data strategies, shared digital ecosystems and integrated visitor applications.
November 19 – Smart Mobility & Sustainable Tourism The second day focused on mobility as a pillar of sustainable destination development. Major investments in public transport, multimodal networks, trams, park-and-ride, digital mobility services, as well as initiatives to promote cycling, green corridors and shared bikes were discussed. Particular reference was made to the adaptation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) to tourist areas, the management of seasonal flows and multi-municipal cooperation. Participants presented practical examples of smart visitor guidance, artificial intelligence chatbots, traffic calming measures and organized parking management that improve safety, comfort and environmental performance.
“The workshop in Jesolo confirmed that the digital and green transition of tourism is no longer an option, but a necessity. The practices we shared here are immediately applicable and will be integrated into our regional action plans in 2026”, said Artemis Margaritidou, Coordinator of the SmartTour project.
The workshop resulted in a joint commitment of the partners to accelerate the digital and sustainable transition of European destinations, with a focus on scalable solutions that improve the visitor experience, strengthen local economies and reduce the environmental footprint.
More information: https://www.interregeurope.eu/smart-tour
Funding The SmartTour project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Europe programme. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Interreg Europe Managing Authority. The European Union and the Managing Authority are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.
