The 2022 European Destinations of Excellence contest is open now!

European Commission encourages sustainable tourist destinations

Yesterday, 22 April 2021, the European Commission announced the opening of applications for the competition for European Destination of Excellence 2022. The European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) initiative recognises and encourages environmentally responsible tourism practices in smaller tourist destinations.

The competition is aimed at smaller tourist destinations that can highlight their excellent sustainability accomplishments and encourage other tourism destinations in their green transformation. Destinations in the EU with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 people are qualified to apply.

The European Destination of Excellence 2022 would enhance the tourist city's reputation as a sustainable destination. Furthermore, it will include a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain targeted contact and branding assistance from a network of industry experts.

Sustainable tourism under European Green Deal

The EDEN initiative intends to:

• highlight the best achievements in sustainable tourism and green transition practises in smaller European destinations;
• promote the development of sustainable tourism in destinations, bringing value to the economy, the planet, and the people;
• provide a framework for participating destinations to exchange best practises and create opportunities for cooperation.

The European Commission first launched EDEN in 2007 as an initiative to reward non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe through national competitions. The project has been revamped and revised in light of the European Green Deal targets, and it will help tourism destinations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic recover and thrive.

The EU Green Deal, the EU's pledge to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, and the focus on circular economies will all influence improvements in the tourism industry. To provide tourists with a safe and high-quality experience, the environment would need to change how it works, including how destinations are managed.

Applications can be sent online by 16 June 2021 (17:00 CET) to bid for the title of European Destination of Excellence 2022.