HomeNews In 2017 Cesis is recognized as European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN)

In 2017 Cesis is recognized as European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN)

On November 7th, at the international conference organized by Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) in Riga, where announced results of national competition for "Culture Tourism 2017" – theme of year 2017 for network of European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN). In the fierce competition Cesis became the winner of contest and destination for culture tourism.

The theme of this year's contest was "Cultural Tourism 2017". The task of contestants was to demonstrate and prove the sustainability and development of their tourism destination in scope of cultural tourism, which is based on the material cultural values ​​- cultural heritage and the richness of contemporary culture.

There were received more than 20 applications and six contestants were nominated for the second round with which the evaluation committee got presence visit on tourism destination. Four of the most successful contestations have been recognized as runner up nominations. They were: Turaida Museum Reserve, Daugavpils Municipality Tourism Development and Information Agency, Limbaži municipality and Tukums Tourism Information Center.

Head of Cēsis Tourism Development and Information Center Andra Magone are saying: “I am very glad for all contestants! On everyday life we are cooperation partners and advisors, and we share common goal – to develop sustainable tourism.  This nomination means that Cesis is recognized. Creation of tourism offer are based not only on interest of entrepreneurs but also on local resources and infrastructure. It is important that the local people in their everyday do not feel disturbed by tourists. Therefore, is needed precise planning of tourism processes. I would like to express my gratitude for those who is developing Cesis as an excellent place for living and for those who is taking care of development of tourism and visitors to our city. To the award ceremony in Brussels I would like to take you all!”

Application of project “Cēsis – where past meats future” was submitted by M/A “Cesis Culture and Tourism center”. The submitted application of culture tourism destination was evaluated according to the criteria, which correspond to guidelines of Latvian tourism development. Into account were taken the quality of the offer, sustainability of tourism destination, planning documents and strategy, individualization, added value, involvement of tourists and the opportunity for tourists to learn new experiences.

Cesis and 4 runner up contestants will be provided with publicity in Latvia. As well as Cesis will host Lithuanian and Estonian media visits. In the future, the marketing activities of city will have the right to use EDEN logo elaborated by European Commission. The winner and 4 runner up contestants will also have the opportunity to participate in the EDEN network activities in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe, as well as attend events organized by the European Commission for the members of the EDEN network.

EDEN is the acronym for European Destinations of Excellence, a project promoting sustainable tourism development models across the European Union. The project 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. Latvia has participated in the EDEN contest since 2007, acknowledging its tourism potential in each competition theme. For now, more than 350 tourism destinations from 27 countries have joined the EDEN network.