2008 – Tourism and local intangible heritage

In 2008, destinations were awarded, not for their monuments or facilities, but for the traditions they have inherited and preserved through the generations. This living or ‘intangible’ heritage serves to bring people closer to the communities they live in by giving them a sense of identity and continuity. It includes culinary traditions, handicrafts, local arts and rural life.

Twenty destinations of excellence were awarded the title “2008 European Tourist Destination of Excellence in Intangible Heritage”. 18 Member States and 2 candidate countries took part in the project. The award ceremony took place at the European Tourism Forum in Bordeaux, France, 18-19 September 2008.

Please, have a look at the video of the 2008 award ceremony Please, have a look at the video of the 2008 award ceremony

National websites have been developed to promote the EDEN process.

Austria	Cyprus	Greece	Ireland
Latvia	Malta	Belgium-Wallonie	Slovenia

European Commission

European Destinations of Excellence

2008 – Tourism and local intangible heritage