2009

The Tērvete Nature Park Tērvetes Receives a Tourism Award in Brussels

During the European Tourism Forum held in Brussels from 7^th to 9^th October, the Tērvete Nature Park received the honorary title of EDEN project winner or European Destination of Excellence in Latvia.

22 European countries, each presenting their tourism destinations at a special exhibition, attended the event and received awards.

Latvia’s stand attracted the attention of visitors with its magnificent design based on a nature theme. Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission, appreciated the Tērvete Nature Park not only as a tourism destination, but also as a site offering environmental education to Latvia’s schools.

EDEN is a project promoting sustainable tourism development across the European Union by drawing attention to the values, diversity and common features of the European tourism destinations. The project enhances the visibility of the rich versatility of Europe manifested through nature resources, historical heritage, traditional festivals and local cuisine.

Every year, the European Commission in cooperation with the relevant national tourism bodies chooses a different theme for this European quest for excellence in tourism and selects one destination from each participating country. Previous winners from Latvia have been the Town of Kuldīga for the uniqueness of its old town, and the Town of Rēzekne for Latgale region pottery traditions. So far, the main EDEN themes have included rural tourism and intangible heritage, while the theme for 2009 is sustainable tourism in protected nature areas.