The Malta Tourism Authority would like to announce the launch of the call for the 6th European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) Award. This project is an initiative of the European Commission and aims at promoting sustainable ‘off the beaten track’ destinations across Europe. EDEN destinations represent some of the most stunning and pristine environments on the continent.

The project revolves around a themed competition. The theme for 2013 is ‘Accessible Tourism,’ targeting localities which have developed a tourism offer based on an overall approach to accessibility for tourists regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age.

The EDEN award is a recognition award for the good practices of a destination. Winners benefit from marketing on both an EU and local level. They are featured on the official EDEN website http://www.edenineurope.eu/, MTA website and on social media such as YouTube and Facebook. However, most importantly, the winning destinations should use the Award as a marketing tool to attract quality visitors.

Both the winning and runner-up destinations get the opportunity to be part of the EDEN Network of destinations, which represents some of the most stunning and pristine environments on the continent. The Network is an excellent platform for the sharing of ideas and resources with particular reference to sustainable tourism, while providing an opportunity for the participation in various projects through new partnerships.

More details about eligibility and the application process can be found in the guidelines which can be downloaded from here. The Application Form can be downloaded from here.

The project is 75% co-financed by the European Commission.

The deadline for the submission of applications is Monday, the 1st of April at 5.00pm. Consultation services will be offered free of charge to interested applicants.

A one-to-one meeting with interested applicants is available in Gozo on Wednesday, the 27th of February.

If you would like to set an appointment or for further queries kindly contact Ms Nadine Mifsud on nadine.mifsud@gov.mt.

Previous EDEN competitions in Malta have awarded Nadur as the EDEN Emerging Rural Destination, the hamlet of Santa Lucija in Kercem as the EDEN Destination for its Local Intangible Heritage, Mellieha for its Protected Areas, Isla for Aquatic Tourism and Gharb for the Regeneration of Physical Sites.

Photo shows bridge construction at ‘Wied il-Mielah’ Gharb, the 2011 winner.

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