The way forward

By rewarding destinations at the forefront of innovation, the European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative helps cities attract more visitors — but that’s not all. Smart tourism can also play a role in combatting the negative social, environmental and economic impacts of travelling and help the industry respond to challenges. Representatives of the 2020 capitals recently shared insight on how smart tourism can support post-pandemic recovery. Gothenburg shared lessons from Sweden’s no-lockdown approach, highlighting the importance of sharing information, attracting regional visitors and investing in virtual attractions and events. Meanwhile, Málaga stressed the need to support smaller businesses and involve local companies in brainstorming new ideas and solutions.

In addition to the 2020 capitals, four cities received European Smart Tourism Awards in select categories: Breda, in the Netherlands, for accessibility; Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, for digitalisation; Karlsruhe, in Germany, for cultural heritage and creativity; and Gothenburg for sustainability.

Anyone visiting Málaga can now experience its urban and natural charms more easily. Travellers can download apps to guide themselves through museums and attractions or scan QR codes at places of interest for information on the go. The city has also revitalised many of its natural spaces, including making eight beaches fully accessible for those with reduced mobility and fitting two with supportive devices for the blind. Málaga has also created an app to display information such as beach crowding, wave height and presence of jellyfish.

Gothenburg’s strong approach to technology also benefits visitors. Take Liseberg amusement park, for instance, one of Sweden’s most popular attractions, which recently introduced a virtual queuing system. Travellers can also take advantage of the ‘Meet the locals’ initiative, which connects visitors with locals and offers an insight into day-to-day life in Sweden. Have a question about the city? Turn to the capital’s comprehensive digital channels or enjoy an online chat with a local expert.

// I’m thinking of skiing in Scotland this season for the first time. Where would you recommend for a week’s break, for intermediate skiers?

QWhen the snow’s good, skiing in Scotland can be both aweinspiring and adventurous.

The combination of basic infrastructure and weatherbeaten hills means you can test your mettle in your own backyard.

But Scotland’s winter climate is notoriously variable, and mild, soggy spells can quickly follow snowy ones. So don’t wait if there’s been a dump of the white stuff

— if you can, grab your kit and go.

Glenshee Ski Centre is a safe bet for intermediate skiers. Scotland’s biggest ski area, it spreads across a U-shaped Highland pass in Aberdeenshire and offers around 25 miles of mostly steady, unthreatening descents. It’s the perfect place to warm up your ski legs, perhaps with a lesson at Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre to fine-tune your technique included. You’re not short of good accommodation options nearby, either. Take your pick from The

Fife Arms, with its crackling fires and A-grade art (from £325, B&B), or Cranford Guest House (from £78, B&B). Both are in the village of Braemar, less than a 30-minute drive from the slopes. ski-glenshee.co.uk thefifearms.com gulabinoutdoors.co.uk cranfordbraemar.co.uk

For your next stop, try Glencoe. With just 14 miles of skiable pistes, it’s a fair bit smaller than Glenshee, but more bracing and blessed with epic views. Stay at the Clachaig Inn nearby for the chance to sip some of its 400 whiskies when you’re done. From £117, B&B. clachaig.com

Want to learn how to ski tour? At Glenmore Lodge, near Aviemore, two-day Discover Backcountry Skiing courses are aimed at intermediate skiers. From £345, full board, including equipment hire. glenmorelodge.org.uk

SEAN NEWSOM

Skiing at Glencoe; King Henry VII suite, The Mitre

// I’d hoped to spend my 2021 gap year backpacking on a dierent continent. Do you have any suggestions for equivalent adventures closer to home?

Q