Middelfart European Destination of Excellence pioneer of European sustainable tourism

Located on the Funen Island in southern Denmark, the Middelfart municipality has developed projects ranging from the diversification of tourist attractions to stakeholder engagement in sustainable tourism development projects. The 2022 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) title will strengthen Middelfart’s reputation as a sustainable pioneer of green transition practices and set an example for lesser-known European touristic destinations. 

Despite being a relatively unknown touristic spot, this Danish municipality is making a name for itself as a green destination by ensuring an effective and broad transfer of knowledge about sustainable tourism amongst stakeholders and tourists. For instance, Middelfart is working on a project towards the inclusion of Danish companies in the development of strategies for the tourism industry. Similarly, the municipality is engaging residents and visitors in the form of active communication and marketing, and is a participant in Empower 2.0 project for energy transition. Middlefart is also known for its varied eco-touristic offer – such as whale watching – as it is home to the largest natural park in Denmark, Lillebælt Natural Park. The town has done an incredible job promoting sustainable, regional development in rural districts in economic, social, and environmental terms. 

EDEN best practices report released

A collection of the most original projects, ideas, and schemes, submitted by applicant cities of the 2022 European Destinations of Excellence edition, can be found in the Best Practice Report: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/news/best-practices-2022-eden-competition-report-now-online-2022-03-17_en 

The Report will serve as reference for sustainable tourism amongst small-size destination in the EU and COSME countries. 

2022 EDEN title kick-off event

To commence the year as the 2022 European Destination of Excellence, on 10 March 2022 Middelfart conducted an conference and networking event. The official promotional video was revealed during the ceremony to celebrate the municipality’s accomplishments as an innovative, sustainable tourism pioneer. The video highlighted the city’s efforts to integrate climate protection in all areas of life under the slogan “Think globally, act locally”, and how they are making a green transition possible that translates into sustainable development for all. 

Middelfart at ITB 2022

Middelfart took part in this year’s virtual ITB Convention, one of the most prominent travel trade fairs in the world. Along with the 2022 European Capitals of Smart Tourism Bordeaux and Valencia, Middelfart participated in the live presentation “Think Globally, Act Locally: Smart and Sustainable Tourism in Europe” held on 10 March 2022. Participants and attendees of ITB had the opportunity to learn what strategies for sustainable local tourism allowed Middelfart become the 2022 European Destination of Excellence and what the future of smart tourism in Europe looks like. 

For all the latest news visit the European Destinations of Excellence website.

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For further press information, contact :

European Destinations of Excellence Secretariat:
Antigoni Avgeropoulou, info@edensecretariat.eu, +49 (0) 30 70 01 86 390

Notes to Editors

1. Since 2007, the European Commission supported EU Member States and other countries participating in the COSME programme to reward non-traditional, emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe through the ‘European Destination of Excellence” (EDEN) award. This action aimed to foster sustainable tourism destination management models across Europe by selecting and promoting EDEN destinations. To date, 175 destinations from 27 different countries have received the award under different annual themes.
2. In 2019 the “Study on EDEN evaluation” was carried out to assess the continued relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the EDEN initiative and the various actions implemented in its framework, as well as its coherence with other EU initiatives. Following the results and recommendations of the evaluation study, the European Commission relaunched the initiative which is renewed, taking into account European Green Deal goals. In addition to the EU countries, it also covers non-EU countries participating in the COSME programme. The competition addresses smaller tourism destinations which can showcase their outstanding achievements in sustainability and inspire other tourism destinations in their green transition. 
3. The EDEN Award was implemented first as a pilot project and as a preparatory action initiated by the European Parliament and since 2011 has continued under the CIP/COSME programmes. 
4. The competition is open to cities and towns in the EU Member States and non-EU countries participating in the COSME programme, with a population between 25,000 – 100,000. For small states with total population below 1 million, destinations with above 5,000 inhabitants are eligible to apply. Please refer to the Guide for Applicants for more information.