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MEMO/10/452 Brussels, 27 September 2010 The twenty-five European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) in Aquatic tourism Twenty five tourist destinations from across Europe were awarded the title of ‘2010 European Destination of Excellence in Aquatic Tourism’ at a Gala Awards ceremony in Brussels today. 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. The twenty five European Destinations of Excellence 2010 are: Austria - Seelentium Austria’s Seelentium is famous for its beautiful lakes, nature reserves and pristine nature. It is a paradise for those looking for an aquatic holiday as water is everywhere in Seelentium! The nearby city of Burghausen offers plenty of opportunities for historical and cultural activities. The Burgenhausen castle is the longest in Europe, and is a ‘must’ when visiting the Seelentium area. www.seelentium.at Belgium - Les lacs de l’Eau d’Heure Located in the south-western Belgium, the Lakes Eau d’Heure is a true hidden European treasure. Its unique feature is the balance between man-made lakes and precious natural heritage. It is an ideal place for an aquatic holiday – swimming, rowing, kayaking and windsurfing and other activities are offered at this destination. Taking a tour on the ‘Red Crocodile’ – an amphibious bus which travels on land and water, is an unforgettable experience! www.lacsdeleaudheure.be Bulgaria - Regional administration of Silistra Located in north eastern Bulgaria on the south bank of the lower Danube River, you will find the oldest city in Bulgaria, Silistra. Dotted with fountains, springs, traditions and legends about water, the best way to see and appreciate this beautiful aquatic destination is by taking a boat excursion along the Danube and Suha rivers. The unique natural beauty of the region, combined with centuries-old traditions, create a unique holiday destination in Silistra. www.ss.government.bg Croatia - The town of Nin Nin is located in a shallow lagoon about 14km away from the regional centre of Zadar. It is the oldest Croatian royal town and is situated on a small island connected to the mainland with two bridges which were built in the 16th century. The destination offers spectacular sandy beaches and salt pans. Not far from Kraljičina beach there is the famous site for healing mud (peloid) and a wetland with wetland inhabitants. Many wetland birds, which attract nature lovers, have found their home here. www.nin.hr Cyprus - The village of Kato Pyrgos Kato Pyrgos is a small village lying on the roots of the Troodos Mountain, overlooking the sea. The beaches in Kato Pyrgos are famous for their cool and lucid waters, ideal for the hot summer months. The beaches are some of the cleanest on the island and if you are lucky you might spot a school of dolphins playing far out in the sea. Kato Pyrgos is also famous for its rich history and culture, its monuments, chapels and churches are a true gift for history-enthusiasts. www.ekk.org.cy Czech Republic - Bystřicko region Bystřicko is located in the north-eastern tip of the Czech Moravian Highlands, known for their exceptional rough beauty and their abundance of rivers, creeks and dams. The region is drained by river Svratka which offers endless possibilities for water- sports, such as rowing, boating or wild-water slalom. One of the highlights of the region is the Vír dam which has the third-highest dam wall in the Czech Republic reaching a staggering 76.5m. www.info.bystricenp.cz Estonia - Lake Võrtsjärv Lake Võrtsjärv is the second largest lake in the Baltic States. There are more than 20 rivers, streams and ditches which bring their water into the lake making it an important habitat for more than 30 different species of fish and birds. Võrtsjärv offers recreational opportunities for people seeking cultural, nature and active holidays and its eco-tourism products succeed in uniting the past and the present day in a superb fashion. www.vortsjarv.ee Finland - Saimaa Holiday Saimaa Holiday is located in the centre of the Saimaa Lake system. The Lake of Saimaa was formed by glacier which melted at the end of the Ice Age. With the size of approximately 4 400 square kilometers, Saimaa Lake is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, rowing or ice-skating in winter. It is also home to the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal, which has only 260 species left. www.saimaaholiday.net 2 France - The Grand Site du Marais Poitevin The Grand Site du Marais Poitevin is rightfully called the Green Venice of France. This labyrinth of waterways, lined with tall and dense vegetation, is worth visiting as it is the largest wooded marshland on the Atlantic coast (49,000 hectares) and it has one of the richest natural habitats in France. The magical beauty of the area has been captured in numerous artistic representations. www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr Germany - Western Pomeranian River District The tranquil river valleys and impressive cultural heritage left by the Slavic and Viking tribes are the landmarks that make the Western Pomeranian River District a true jewel waiting to be discovered. One of the main attractions of the region is the canoe trips that are organised along the endless rivers. Thus, it is not surprising that the tour received the name ‘Across the Amazon of the North’. www.abenteuer-flusslandschaft.de Greece - Prefecture of Serres Stretching from the Strymonikos bay to the Bulgarian boarder, The Prefecture of Serres, is Greece’s treasured possession. Today, both the Strymon River and Lake Kerkini constitute invaluable wetlands of great ecotourist and ecological interest. In other locations in the area such as Agistro and Sidirokastro, you can take advantage of the medicinal water springs that the locals believe have been offered to them by the ancient gods. www.naserron.gr Hungary - Lake Tisza Hungary’s largest man-made Lake Tisza is an emerging destination in the area of aquatic tourism. The beauty of the region is miraculous. A few kilometers away from the lake you will find Europe’s largest field of blossoming water lilies and fringed water lilies. Various activities are offered in the area, ranging from guided tours that will show you the best spots to spa facilities where you can regenerate your energy and get healthier. www.turakozpont.hu Iceland - The Westfjords region The Westfjords region is situated in a remote area in the north-west of Iceland. Virtually separated from the rest of Iceland and sparsely populated, the area is characterised by dramatic fjords and towering angular cliffs rising sharply from deep blue seas. Its fjords, endless meadows, glacier, waterfalls and impeccable flora and fauna make it one of the most enchanting places in the area. The region is also home to incredible delicious cuisine. www.westfjords.is 3 Ireland - Loop Head Peninsula The Loop Head peninsula retains beauty and isolation while still being in a position to offer visitors a professional and unique experience of an Ireland that is forgotten by many mainstream tourist destinations. The waters were declared by Jacques Cousteau to be the finest for scuba diving in Europe. Visitors can take tour boats to admire dolphins, whales and numerous sea birds. It is famous for its impressive cliffs that dive dramatically into the sea and an incredible diversity of marine life. www.LoopHead.ie Italy - Municipality of Monte Isola Monte Isola is the largest inhabited island of the European lakes, in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy. Monte Isola rises in the middle of the blue lake Iseo giving to the lake its impressive and nearly mystically dramatic appearance at all seasons. Monte Isola has joined the "Club of Italy's most beautiful villages". These quaint villages really are worth exploring and can be done so on foot or bicycle along the stunning coastal paths or by boat cruises between the islands. www.comune.monteisola.bs.it Latvia - Sea Resort Jūrmala Jūrmala is situated in the largest resort city in the Baltic States. It is known for its natural treasures – the mild climate, sea, healthy air, curative mud and mineral water. The main attraction of Jūrmala is the 32,8 km long white sandy beach, surrounded by large pine forests and the river Lielupe. Covered by white quartz sand, the long beach of Jūrmala is a great experience for the whole family and is free of charge. In the shores of Lielupe river there are several yacht-clubs where you can order boat or yacht trips in the river. www.jurmala.lv Lithuania - Zarasai Region Famous for its beautiful lakes and forests, the Zarasai region in Lithuania impresses its visitors with the diversity, uniqueness and flamboyance of its nature. Twisting and bending rivers, scattered blue lake patches, peaceful woods and scarcely populated areas are the main attractions of the region. The two regional parks in the region, Gražutė and Sartai, encompass more than 100 lakes in their territories. Boat tours of different durations and complexities are offered, but the most unique experience is designing your own trip from the 6000km water network. www.zarasai.lt Luxembourg - The Nature Park of the Upper Sûre The Nature Park of the Upper Sûre is located in the North-Western part of Luxembourg close to the Belgian border. The park is primarily an area of conservation and a specially protected area for wild birds. At the heart of the park is the Upper Sûre Lake, the largest area of water in Luxembourg which provides 70% of the population with drinking water.