Rural communities in the Shannon Region are being offered a chance to win a new EU Competition valued at €50,000. Shannon Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland is promoting a new EU competition (European Destinations of Excellence) to identify the Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination in each of the Member States.
The Competition is open to any town, district, village or area in Ireland with a population of up to 10,000. However, they must represent an area which has defined geographic boundaries, is primarily rural, but can include urban areas, and must have undertaken tangible marketing activity promoting only approved operators.
The winning destination in Ireland will receive a (non cash) prize valued at an estimated €50,000 which includes: an energy and waste audit; an energy and waste management plan; a three-year marketing plan; and a DVD of the destination for the awards ceremony.
The EU will offer the winner in each Member State international promotion of the destination, an EU award ceremony during the 2007 European Tourism Forum in Portugal, distribution of audio-visual material, e-marketing opportunities, and participation in an EU network.
”This is a unique opportunity for communities around the Shannon Region to compete for a major award which will not only enhance the physical infrastructure of their community, but also supplement promotional efforts. I would urge all eligible communities to enter. Shannon Development would be delighted to answer any queries on the Competition,” says John Quinlivan, Shannon Development, Regional Development Manager-Clare.
The aims of the European Destinations of Excellence competition are to draw attention to the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and to promote destinations where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.
A panel of adjudicator - composed of cultural and development experts and representatives of Fáilte Ireland, and other relevant government bodies is being drawn up - to select the top destinations in each region of the country and the overall winner.
Donal Guilfoyle, Head of Central Marketing Services, Fáilte Ireland, says: “By July we will have identified not only the best emerging rural destination in Ireland but also best practice for rural destinations, developing rural tourism areas, initiatives that may need ongoing supports, and gaps and needs in rural areas.”
The theme of this year’s pilot European Destinations of Excellence competition is best emerging rural destination. If the pilot is successful, the competition will continue on an annual basis with a different theme each year.
Full competition details and an application form are available at www.shannonregiontourism.ie/eden or www.failteireland.ie/eden or call Siobhan King Clare Tourism Officer, Shannon Development, at 065 6895004. The closing date for applications is Friday, 13th April 2007.
Nandi O’Sullivan
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