An accessible Eden

 

The European Commission has been undertaking preparatory action on EDEN since 2006, at a time when the European Parliament was trying to find ways to strengthen a common European tourism policy after the dramatic halt in 1997. EDEN is the acronym for "European Destinations of Excellence”, a project promoting sustainable tourism development models across the European Union. 

The project was based on national competitions that take place every year and result in the selection of a tourist “destination of excellence” for each participating country.(+)

(+) (In May 2023, the European Commission announced that the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism will be the successor of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition which was first introduced in 2007 as an initiative to reward non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe.)

Pielachtal, Austria

Over recent years a number of themes have been chosen, each one more interesting than the last, for example: Best emerging European rural destination of excellence (2007); Tourism and local intangible heritage (2008) – the town of Echternach was the winner of this one in Luxembourg – Tourism and protected areas (2009) and Aquatic tourism (2010). Every winning destination, selected in each member state by a national jury, puts on an exposition at the European Commission building in Berlaymont on European Tourism Day. Currently, they are sharing their experiences and updates on a Facebook page which, though not equally operational all year round, is the best place to find the winners’ web addresses. You can also download presentational brochures and videos from the European Commission website.

Kuldiga, Latvia

 

For ex: Call for proposals of 2012

The call for proposals of 2012’s objective is to support eligible countries’ National Administrations in charge of tourism, or other eligible public bodies, for the purpose of selecting one EDEN destination of excellence, and is open until 30 April. The theme of this year’s call is accessible tourism. It is proposed to reward those destinations which have developed a tourism offer based on an overall approach to accessibility for tourists regardless of their special needs, disabilities or age.

The following aspects of accessibility could be considered, although this list is not exhaustive:

• barrier-free destinations (infrastructure and facilities);

• transport (by air, land and sea, suitable for all users);

• high quality services (delivered by trained staff);

• activities, exhibits, attractions (available to all tourists);

• marketing, booking systems, web sites and services (information accessible to all).

Geoagiu Băi, Romania

Special needs and ageing

This theme has undoubtedly been chosen to tie in with the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity betweenGenerations on one side, and the European Parliament’s belief in the importance of accessibility of tourism on the other. Indeed, a hearing took place on 9 February of this year at the European Parliament on quality for all and competitive destinations. Obviously, we cannot overlook the economic element involved here: 80 million disabled people in the European Union represent a potential market of 130 million tourists (including their family and friends, etc.).

In the meeting’s conclusion, the European Commission provided its support to preparatory action. The European Parliament is envisaging a budget of €1 million to implement actions with a view to raising awareness, disseminating and rewarding best practices, improving skills, fostering innovative solutions and promoting more accessible services and facilities.

Echternach, Luxembourg