Based on national competitions, each competing country presents a destination that allows tourist locations to be accessed in a ‘functionally independent, righteous and dignifying manner’.
Xavier Lechien, president of the EDEN network association, said that, “Sharing tips about the art of tourism is at the heart of the European destinations of excellence”.
Lechien stressed that the awards are about more than simply showing where “travellers can hike freely, enjoy new experiences and get the service according to their needs”, but are also about sending a message to policymakers.
“Destination managers and policymakers will read an important message between the lines: accessible tourism must become a priority, not only for the good of the tourists, but also for the long-term business sustainability of the industry.”
Deputy director general of DG enterprise and industry Antti Peltomäki also called for action, saying, “One of the tourism sectors in Europe that still remains largely untapped is accessible tourism for senior citizens and people with special needs.”
“The European commission takes this very seriously,” he added, “as equal opportunities and human rights must be a reality for all European citizens”.
“EDEN is an accolade that the European commission has been giving out for six years now, awarding emerging destinations that have successfully contributed to sustainability and opening up tourism to everybody.”
“Our sincere hope is that this year’s EDEN awards will give accessible tourism more visibility and that destinations all around Europe will start following their example.”
Source: The Parliament
