It's Official - west really is best
Strandhill, Sligo has been named Best Health & Well-Being Tourism Destination in Ireland by EDEN (European Destination of Excellence)
The prestigious award recognises Strandhill Community Development Association as the best emerging destination that promotes sustainable tourism by using Health & Well-Being assets that are characteristic of their region to grow visitor numbers.
Fáilte Ireland made the announcement at an awards ceremony this afternoon in Sligo Park Hotel following a lengthy process including EDEN judges visiting Strandhill on 6th November. Judges wanted to see first hand the many eateries, sustainable practices, inspiring landscapes, walking trails, surf breaks and famed seaweed baths Strandhill has to offer.
Showcasing Strandhill
Aoife Porter of Bua Marketing and Strandhill Community Development Association led the showcase of Strandhill with a presentation at Sligo Airport, followed by a visit to Strandhill People’s Market, a walk to the village with Auriel Robinson from Seatrails along Killaspugbrone route to see Salt & Soul Yoga Studio, Perfect Day Surf School and other health and well-being providers in the village and then finished with lunch in Shells.
Aoife Porter commented: “We are flying high with winning the EDEN Award for Strandhill. It was a huge team effort; I am so proud that the positive actions of both the businesses and people who help shape Strandhill every day has been rewarded.
Strandhill is a village striving to decrease its impact on climate change by adopting sustainable principles. We want this generation and the next to enjoy Strandhill’s world-class surf waves, unique landscape, thriving cultural scene and significant heritage sites.
Our village is for everyone – for locals and tourists alike. It’s a village alive with a sense of community and a clear focus on health and well-being. This award is a testament to the fact that a community with one vision can be unstoppable.”
Sustainable Tourism
Fáilte Ireland’s Eva Costello manages the EDEN competition in Ireland and commented: “The standard of finalists this year was exceptionally high. During the onsite assessments, Strandhill Community Development Association, as well as the other shortlisted destinations, clearly demonstrated how Health and Well-Being has taken a central role in their tourism offering while also sustaining their local environment. I am confident that this Award – Destination of Excellence 2019: Health & Well-Being Destination – will prove to be a magnet in attracting even more visitors to Sligo and to The Wild Atlantic Way.”
As the 2019 winning destination, Strandhill will receive a photoshoot of the destination, a certificate of achievement. Also, the EU will offer Strandhill international promotion of the destination through the EDEN web-portal, a short promotional visual presentation, and participation in the EU EDEN network.