Four Irish finalists named in European tourism awards

Ireland is playing an absolute blinder as of late when it comes to being recognised for sustainability efforts.

The latest announcement being that four Irish destinations have been named as finalists in the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) competition. Fáilte Ireland announced the finalists which include Strandhill Community Development Association, Adventure Sligo & Northwest Wellness, Slow Adventure Leitrim and Trim Tourism Network in Meath all made the list EDEN is an EU project, centred on sustainable tourism development across the board. Held every two years it includes 29 EU member states as it tries to find the destination that provides the best health and well-being tourism experience. Previous Irish winners include Scattery Island in Clare, the Burren Food Trail, the Great Western Greenway and Loop Head in Clare. A panel of expert adjudicators will visit each location allowing the communities to highlight the best they have to offer. Assessment will take place in Strandhill on November 5 and locals are busy preparing to showcase why they deserve to win. Between tasty eateries, inspiring landscapes, walking trails, surf breaks and seaweed baths they are living proof of how health and well-being tourism has been used to benefit both tourists and residents alike. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuZLBBRH54e/ According to Fiona Monaghan of Fáilte Ireland, “visitors are increasingly looking to connect with destinations and communities which offer authentic experiences through nature and local traditions”. The overall winner will be announced at a ceremony taking place the end of November.  

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