In the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), the world's leading tourism destination sustainability index, published last month, Tallinn moved up 11 places to 52nd.
In autumn 2022, a support measure for conference tourism was created to attract more conference tourists to Tallinn. The maximum amount of support is planned to be up to €30 000 per conference. Tallinn will start supporting international conferences in the city next year. The first call for applications has already been launched and is open until 25 January.
In 2022, Tallinn hosted nearly 90 high-level international competitions, including 21 World and European Championships and World and European Cups. This year's international sporting events were supported by the capital with a total of more than €865 000.
The plans adopted in Tallinn over the past year are based on the principles of sustainable urban planning, in terms of both housing, jobs and services. Heritage conservation and the preservation of existing built heritage also play an important role in creating a sustainable urban space.
Tens of thousands of people have had the chance to visit Tallinn's museums free of charge during the year since the city's Museum Sundays programme was launched in 2022.The most important cultural investment this year is the construction of the Tallinn City Theatre, which will be completed in 2023.
In November of this year, restoration work was completed between the Patkuli viewing platform and the Kitseaia park. The restoration work was carried out in two sections, with a total of 200 meters of retaining wall repaired.
Tallinn's 2023 budget focuses on preserving cultural heritage as well as enhancing the historic urban space and living environment. Next year, the renovation of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town walls, fortifications and buildings will continue, but restoration grants will also increase.
In August this year, 20 special litter bins were installed on the shores of the northern part of Tallinn to prevent cigarette butts from entering the sea. The pilot project lasted for two months, during which time around 11 000 cigarette butts were collected from the bins, which will later be given a new life as 3D printing material.
According to next year's draft Tallinn city budget, the focus in the field of sports will be on creating opportunities for physical activity and sport in the urban space, as well as supporting various sports projects and international competitions.
Today, 4 January, the cornerstone was laid for the Kadriorg Park Economic Building (L. Koidula 34a, Tallinn). A modern building inspired by the historical orangery is under construction, part of which will be open to visitors in the future.