The winners were announced during the Award ceremony that took place in the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025, Sibiu, Romania, on 2 October 2025.

The ‘Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism’ Awards aim to enhance the visibility of European cultural tourism destinations, provide a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge and foster networking among destinations. For the eighth consecutive year, the European Travel Commission (ETC), the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN), Europa Nostra, and the Network of European Regions for Competitive and Sustainable Tourism (NECSTouR) have jointly organised these awards to promote best practices in sustainable cultural tourism.

This year’s edition, focusing on “Visitor Experiences and Authenticity for Sustainable, Smart and Resilient Cultural Tourism Destinations”,  is supported by Iter Vitis Cultural route of the Council of Europe, Europeana and Sibiu County Tourism Association. The Awards contest was open to tourist destinations across Europe, to showcase their achievements and contributions in sustainable cultural tourism across five categories.

The winners and runners-up were selected by an expert jury (composed of representatives of ETC, ECTN, Europa Nostra, Sibiu County Tourism Association, Iter Vitis Cultural Route of the Council of Europe and INSPIRES SMP Project coordination), out of 48 applications received from 14 countries.

The winners were revealed at an Awards ceremony held in Sibiu, a vibrant and historic city known for its rich cultural heritage.

Resilience in Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destinations

1st prize:

Transylvanian Highlands – Responsible Tourism in the Saxon Cultural Landscape: A Path to Community Resilience

by Asociația Colinele Transilvaniei, Romania

2nd prize:

DescOpera Festival: A Model of Sustainable Cultural Tourism in Moldova

by The National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM), Moldova

3rd prize:

Cultural heritage as a key component of sustainable development at Krka National Park

by Public Institute of Krka National Park, Croatia

Wine and Gastronomy Tourism based on eno-culinary heritage preservation

1st prize:

Tasty Tartu – a Month Full of Flavours, invigorating the Low Season

by Visit Tartu / Tartu County Tourism Foundation, Estonia

2nd prize:

Tiramisù World Cup

by Tiramisù Academy APS, Treviso, Region of Veneto, Italy

3rd prize:

Vrsar amareti – a traditional hazelnut delicacy inspired by local heritage

by Vrsar Tourist Board, Croatia

Special prize:

Vipava Valley Wine Train – The amazing way to taste the Paradise Valley

by Javni zavod za turizem Nova Gorica in Vipavska dolina (Tourism Board), Slovenia

Digitalisation in Smart Tourism, Cultural Heritage and Creativity aspects, enhancing visitor experiences

1st prize:

Time travel was once the stuff of science fiction

by Associação Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres – Historical Route of the Lines of Torres Vedras Association, Portugal

2nd prize:

Biertan Audio Quest

By Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association, Biertan, Sibiu, Romania

3rd prize:

Digitally Preserving the Past: Resilient Heritage Experiences in Sibiu for a Smart Tourism Future

by City Hall of Sibiu, Romania

Transnational Thematic Tourism products involving Culture and Heritage

1st prize:

European Route of Historic Gardens – A Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

by European Route of Historic Gardens (ERHG) non-profit association based in Catalonia, Spain, with member gardens in Belgium, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Ukraine

2nd prize:

The People’s Portal Dublin, connecting people and cultures above borders

By Dublin City Council Culture Company, Ireland

3rd prize:

Via Dinarica: Green Trail above borders, South-West Serbia and Central and East Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Regional Development Agency “Zlatibor” Uzice, Serbia

Cultural Tourism Services for All, Visitors and Residents Alike

1st prize:

Living Heritage for All: Revitalizing Rural Museums through Inclusive, Authentic, and Sustainable Cultural Tourism in the Laona Plateau

By Kathikas, Ineia, Droushia, and Arodes Synergy, Pafos region, Cyprus

2nd prize:

Via Transilvanica: The Road That Unites

by Tasuleasa Social Association, Romania

3rd prize:

LUV FEST, winter festival of love, art, and wanderings in Ljubljana

by Ljubljana Tourism, Slovenia