TOURISM POLICY OF SWEDEN AND GOTHENBURG DESTINATION

In 2019, the European Commission launched a call for the 2020 European Smart Tourism Capitals competition and 35 cities from 17 European Union member states applied. As a result of the selection process, Gothenburg (Sweden) and Málaga (Spain) were awarded the title of 2020 European Smart Tourism Capital. In this study, the smart tourism aspects of Gothenburg destination are examined within the framework of four parameters, namely (1) accessibility, (2) sustainability, (3) digitalization, (4) cultural heritage and innovation. The aim of the study is to compile the aspects that make Gothenburg a smart tourism capital and to set an example for cities striving to become smart cities or smart tourism destinations by highlighting unique practices. For this purpose, the case study method, which is among the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The main problematic of the research is “What are the successful practices in the context of accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, cultural heritage and innovation that make Gothenburg a European Smart Tourism Capital?”. Recognizing that each practice is essentially an extension of a specific socio-economic and political system, the research was extended to include this information. In this context, the study first presents an overview of the Swedish economy and tourism statistics. Then, the management and administration of the tourism sector and the main aspects of tourism policy are presented. Finally, the practices that make Gothenburg a smart tourism capital are explained and policy recommendations are developed.