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 the social field, the year ended in Tallinn was marked by increased reimbursements for heating and electricity costs and the rise in the cost of living, as well as assistance for war refugees from Ukraine, but also by a number of new grants and the expansion of access to services.
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 the field of education, attention was paid to improving the indoor climate and accessibility of schools and renovating kindergartens, while a major challenge was to solve the educational problems of children of war refugees from Ukraine.
On New Year's Eve and New Year's Night, public transport vehicles normally stopping near Vabaduse Square will be diverted to detours and the operating hours of public transport lines serving the main routes of the city will be extended.
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.
Tomorrow, 3 December, the eighth apartment association conference will take place at the Tallinn Creative Hub (Põhja pst 27). It is a traditional annual event for representatives of housing associations and apartment owners, addressing current housing issues and areas of cooperation between the city and association members.