Publication metadata
The European Destinations of ExcelleNce (EDEN) seeks to promote sustainable tourism development models across Europe. The initiative, which was launched in 2006, is based on national competitions that take place every year and result in the selection of a tourist 'destination of excellence' for each participating country. Through the award, EDEN draws attention to the values, diversity and common features of these European tourist destinations. It enhances the visibility of these emerging locations, creates a platform for sharing good practices across Europe and promotes networking between... awarded regions. This European quest for excellence in tourism is developed around an annual theme, chosen by the European Commission together with the relevant national tourism authorities. The themes so far include: rural tourism in 2007, intangible heritage in 2008, protected areas in 2009, aquatic tourism in 2010, regeneration of physical sites in 2011, and accessible tourism in 2013.