EDEN 2023: Two Greek Cities on ‘European Destination of Excellence’ Shortlist

Trikala. Photo source: Visit Greece

Two Greek cities, Grevena in Western Macedonia, northern Greece, and Trikala in northwestern Thessaly, have been shortlisted for the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) 2023 competition.

The list also includes the cities of Kranj (Slovenia) and Larnaka (Cyprus).

The European Destinations of Excellence is an EU initiative, implemented by the European Commission, which rewards the best achievements in sustainable tourism and green transition practices in smaller destinations across Europe.

The 2023 finalists were chosen among 20 applicant destinations.

To compete for the EDEN 2023 award, the Commission asked the destinations to demonstrate their best practices in sustainable tourism and green transition.

In the next step, the four shortlisted destinations will have the opportunity to present their candidature in front of the European Jury that will select one winner: the European Destination of Excellence 2023.

The winning destination will be awarded in November 2022.

Grevena. Photo source: Visit Greece

“The winning destination will be positioned as a tourism sustainability pioneer committed to the European Green Deal objectives and will receive expert communication and branding support at the EU level throughout 2023,” the Commission said.

According to the Commission, a core principle of the EDEN competition is to promote sustainable tourism development, which brings value to the economy, planet, and people.

The initiative covers the EU and non-EU countries participating in the COSME programme.