Tourism2030 - News

Vistas awards at ITB - shortlisted destinations announced (22 jan 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

Wednesday 22nd January 2014

Vistas awards at ITB - shortlisted destinations announced

Apply now to present your destination's green attractions to a global audience

VISTAS 2014 sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS 2015

There is still space to register for the first part of the show where destinations with a commitment to sustainability, and a wish to win a prestigious VISTAS 2015 award, will make a 1minute presentation about how their visitors and residents are benefitting from sustainable tourism.

Each presentation will be videoed and broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world.

Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA award.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!!

In the second part of the 2014 show winners of this year's VISTA awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.

Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS and today's three are as follows:

Katwijk is a family tourism destination in the Netherlands that is received the QualityCoast Award. Katwijk is creating an underground car park under the sand dunes that are actually protecting the place against the sea. Moreover, they promote local products and all their camp sites have an eco-label.

The Azores islands are a spectacular geological area that has the QualityCoast Gold Award. The islands have clean beaches and over 60 pedestrian and bike trails. It's one of the best European destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Recent Geotourism development and creation of a Geopark conserves the volcanic landscapes.

Ierapetra (Crete, Greece) is a town with a strong identity, awarded QualityCoast Gold. The locals preserve the traditional ways of cultivation in agriculture. The young generation is using environmental education programs in the schools. The creation of a new wetland was beneficial to nature and to water management.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email 50 words about your destination's sustainable tourism success to valere@travelmole.com NOW

For more information visit http://www.VISTAwards.com

Announcement: ITB Sustainable tourism destinations event (15 jan 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

ITB Sustainable tourism destinations event to include green destination showcase

Apply now to present your destination's green attractions to a global audience

VISTAS sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS 2015

ITB Berlin 2014 will stage the first of a series of global sustainable tourism events for destinations, aimed at assisting destinations around the world in their efforts towards sustainability.

The event will bring together destinations interested in profiting from the most important global initiatives and tools for improvement, benchmarking, training and marketing.

Partners include

the Global Sustainable Tourism Review (GSTR)
the DestiNet Portal and the DestiNet Innovation Group Toolkit and marketing package
the award-winning destination networks including the EDEN Network Association aisbl (representing the European Destinations of Excellence Network), QualityCoast, and the Alpine Pearls destinations
VISTAS: the TravelMole VISION on Sustainable Tourism Award Series
And Ecotrans - the European network for sustainable tourism development

The second part of the event will showcase good practice in destinations through the QualityCoast Awards, in the first edition of the VISION Sustainable Tourism Award Series, VISTAS, launched by Vision on Sustainable Tourism by TravelMole, and DestiNet Innovation Group, as the successor of the VESTAS Event at ITB 2011.

But before this, destinations with a commitment to sustainability, and a wish to win a prestigious VISTAS 2015 award, will make a 1 minute presentation about how their visitors and residents are benefitting from sustainable tourism. Each presentations will be videoed and broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world.

The destinations will then begin a "Green Carpet" ride to VISTAS 2015 benefitting along the way from advice and assistance from the VISTAS partners to maximise destination benefits from sustainable tourism. Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA award.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email valere@travelmole.com NOW

For more information visit http://www.VISTAwards.com

VISTAS! Show off YOUR destination (05 Feb 2014)

2014-11-21T15:47:41Z

Wednesday 05th February 2014

VISTAS! at ITB: save the date for fab show, more shortlisted green destinations announced

Show off YOUR destination's green attractions to a global audience

VISTAS! 2014 sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015

The event will take place on the main adventure stage at ITB in hall 4.1 at 17.30

There is still space to register for the part of the show where destinations with a commitment to sustainability, and a wish to win a prestigious VISTAS 2015 award, will make a 1minute presentation about how their visitors and residents are benefitting from sustainable tourism.

Each presentation will be videoed and broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world.

Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA! award.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA! award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!!

Winners of this year's pilot VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.

Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and today's three are as follows:

Alonissos (Greece) is a small island where people still find a traditional Greek experience. Its rich nature, true cultural identity and great offer of local food make Alonissos QualityCoast Gold Destination. Marine conservation is an important issue for the island. Beside Specific fishing rules, the surrounding waters are 100% protected.

Lagos (Portugal), that has the QualityCoast Gold, is a historic town settled in 2000 BC in the region of the Algarve. The locals organise many markets, festivals and cultural events to preserve its heritage. Implementing environmental sustainable practices in the hospitality sector and supporting emission reduction are other import issues for the city.

Goedereede (Netherlands), is a town with traditional style buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. The area is a great natural beauty. The town runs projects to promote renewable energy. Additionally, GO-Elektro, a sustainable mobility option provides the opportunity to rent electric scooters. It won the QualityCoast Award.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS! ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email 50 words about your destination's sustainable tourism success to valere@travelmole.com VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism. For more information visit http://www.vistawards.com

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS at ITB: more shortlisted destinations (29 jan 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

Vistas! awards at ITB - more shortlisted destinations announced

Apply now to present your destination's green attractions to a global audience

VISTAS! 2014 sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015

There is still space to register for the first part of the show where destinations with a commitment to sustainability, and a wish to win a prestigious VISTAS 2015 award, will make a 1minute presentation about how their visitors and residents are benefitting from sustainable tourism.

Each presentation will be videoed and broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world.

Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA! award.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA! award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!!

In the second part of the 2014 show winners of this year's VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.

Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and today's three are as follows:

Koksijde is a coastal town in Flanders (Belgium) with many recreational facilities, awarded QualityCoast Gold. Nature and culture are very important for the locals. Koksijde did its best to preserve the local identity of Oostduinkerke town, and especially of the traditional horseback shrimp fishing, which is very characteristic for Koksijde.

Gozo (Malta), awarded the QualityCoast Gold, is an island that cherished its traditional landscape, towns and local identity. It is strong in organic agriculture and in eco-education programs (Eco Gozo). It hosts the world's oldest temples listed by UNESCO. Big efforts were made to restore its valleys and to create heritage trails.

Baiona in Galicia (Spain) received the QualityCoast Gold Award in 2013. Its medieval historical center is listed by the UNESCO. Baiona has special regulations to protect water resources, natural areas and the coastline from excessive urban pressure and development. Two beaches were declared and signposted "smoke-free", the first in Galicia.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS! ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email 50 words about your destination's sustainable tourism success to <a href="mailto:valere@travelmole.com ?subject=VISTAS™>valere@travelmole.com </a> NOW</p> <p> VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism.

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! Save the date - more shortlisted announced (18 feb 2014)

2014-11-20T21:54:46Z

VISTAS! at ITB: save the date more shortlisted green destinations announced

Winners of this year's pilot VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.
Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and today's three are as follows:

Picture from Bernd Bergmann / TVB Werfenweng

Werfenweng - eco-friendly holidays in the Salzburger Land Gentle mobility enables guests to enjoy a car-free vacation, while still being completely mobile. Werfenweng organizes perfect train connections for your journey, and upon arrival guarantees local mobility by means of electric vehicles and e-cars, horse-drawn carriages, electric taxis, etc.

Belgium is a foodie hotspot, but it can be difficult to find the best local artisanal products - unless you happen to visit the small town of Durbuy. Everybody knows it. Cohesive food network/restaurants, producers, chefs, recipes, gifts, key product & image 0km food is a big advantage to keep the brand alive.

Kuldiga ventured in a massive project with innovative sustainable tourism products able to transform a beautiful (but unknown) area and in an multi-activitites tourism destination.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS! ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email 50 words about your destination's sustainable tourism success to valere@travelmole.com VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism. For more information visit http://www.vistawards.com

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! Save the date - more shortlisted announced (12 feb 2014)

2014-11-22T22:28:57Z

VISTAS! at ITB: save the date more shortlisted green destinations announced

You can show off YOUR destination's green attractions to a global audience

VISTAS! 2014 sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015

The event will take place on the main adventure stage at ITB in hall 4.1 at 17.30 on 6 March 2014

There is still space to register for the part of the show where destinations with a commitment to sustainability, and a wish to win a prestigious VISTAS 2015 award, will make a 1minute presentation about how their visitors and residents are benefitting from sustainable tourism. Each presentation will be videoed and broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world. Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA! award.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA! award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!!

Winners of this year's pilot VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.
Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and today's three are as follows:

Cascais (Portugal) offers visitors a rare mix of nature, history and culture, wonderful beaches and luxury facilities. It received a QualityCoast Award 2013. Promoting soft mobility, Cascais offers tourists to rent bicycles free-of-charge. Two innovative nature restoration projects greatly enhance the rich coastal biodiversity of the area, supporting excellent education and information facilities.

Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli (Italy), is a regional nature park near Pisa, Tuscany, presenting a variety of wetlands, woodlands and dunes. 95% of the park is nature area, a most famous bird area hosting over 200 species. All public beaches have an excellent bathing water, and special facilities for disabled. It won a QualityCoast Award in 2012.

The Portuguese West Region (Oeste), that has a QualityCoast Award 2013, offers a unique combination of traditional wine cultivation, Ecological and Agriculture Reserves, and a number of wonderful coastal towns and resorts, e.g. Nazaré, Peniche and Santa Cruz. The Project "Accessible Beach" makes about 16 beaches accessible to people with disabilities.

Start your Green Carpet ride now. To apply to make a presentation at the VISTAS! ITB event and to get more green tourism benefits for your destination: email 50 words about your destination's sustainable tourism success to valere@travelmole.com VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism. For more information visit http://www.vistawards.com

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! at ITB (27 Feb 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

VISTAS! at ITB: save the date more shortlisted green destinations announced

A real green tourism showcase at ITB

VISTAS! 2014 sustainable tourism award event will include destinations from all over the world making one-minute sustainable destination pitches and beginning a Green Carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015

The event will take place on the main adventure stage at ITB in hall 4.1 at 17.30 on 6 March 2014

Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA! award.

Each presentation will be broadcast via all the supporting networks - including TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism, TravelMole TV, BookDifferent.com, GreenHopping.eu, TravelMotion.de, DestiNet.eu gaining an immediate mass audience throughout the travel, tourism and direct consumer world.

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA! award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!!

Winners of this year's pilot VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.

Each week we will be showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and today's three are as follows:

Noordwijk (Netherlands), a QualityCoast Gold destination since 2007, is surrounded by clean beaches, rich dunes, and in spring: tulip fields. Noordwijk was the first town with a "dike-in-dune": the seaward sand dunes were reinforced with a sea defence wall, under the sand. This preserves the ecology and the landscape.

Ameland (Netherlands), awarded QualityCoast Gold, is a Dutch island in the UNESCO Wadden Sea area. It has a total nature area of ca. 75% and 100% marine protected area. Local identity and culture is demonstrated through museums or festivals. Ameland preserved its traditional way of making mustard in the local windmill, now a tourist attraction.

Westvoorne (Netherlands), awarded QualityCoast Gold, is rich in biodiversity and historical buildings, including a lighthouse from 1630. Near the beach you can find an ecologically sustainable restaurant (Aan Zee), built with natural and efficient materials, using solar and wind energy. The food is prepared with local ingredients and cooked in wooden stoves.

VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism. For more information visit http://www.vistawards.com

Valere Tjolle

Tonight at ITB - the great VISTAS! (05 march 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

Tonight at ITB - the great VISTAS! sustainable destination show beware greenwashers

Save the time and place: main adventure stage at ITB in hall 4.1 at 17.30 on 6 March 2014

See green destination winners and why!

BEWARE Greenwashers - there will also be a 'Rusty Nail' VISTA! award for the worst example of UNsustainable tourism!! Plus 3 gross examples of greenwashing.

Winners of this year's pilot VISTA! awards for innovation in sustainable tourism will be announced.

Each week we have been showcasing three of the destinations shortlisted for this years VISTAS! and the final three are as follows:

Schouwen-Duiveland (Netherlands) with its rich nature and animal life is a popular family destination awarded the QualityCoast Gold. This is the right place for bird watchers and nature seekers. An environmentally friendly transport service is available during the peak season aiming to reduce the use of private cars, traffic jams and emissions.

Fuerteventura, Canary islands (Spain) is a Biosphere Reserve, awarded QualityCoast Gold in 2012. Promotion of sustainable transport has resulted into 225 km bike lanes. Since 2006, Fuerteventura is restoring its turtle population. Also the island is included in the UNESCO Starlight Reserve concept that develops astronomy and nightscape-based tourism products to observe the stars.

Paphos district (Cyprus), awarded QualityCoast Gold is the mythical birthplace of Goddess Aphrodite. Its antiquities brought Paphos on the UNESCO list. The region provides opportunities for bird watching, climbing, walking trails, and excursions to rural areas. And it has excellent beaches. Sustainability efforts include a project for plastic reduction in hotels.

VISTAS! is an initiative of the DestiNet Innovation Group, formed by Ecotrans, QualityCoast, EDEN Network and Alpine Pearls in partnership with TravelMole's Vision on Sustainable Tourism. For more information visit http://www.vistawards.com

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! at ITB: winners and losers announced (18 mar 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

At ITB 2014 the 90 minutes VISTAS! show was packed with good news ...

SEE THE SHORT VIDEO HERE

SEE THE FULL ITB PRESENTATION HERE

20 innovative destinations were nominated for VISTAS! 2014 by destination networks Quality Coast, Eden Destinations and Alpine Pearls.

Participating destinations will not only get a massively beneficial green makeover and marketing assistance and exposure throughout their green carpet ride to VISTAS! 2015, but also a possibility of winning the big prize - a prestigious VISTA! award.

Said co-organizer Herbert Hamele: "The VISTAS! winners give just a little taste of the wide range of innovation for making tourism in coastal, rural or mountain destinations more sustainable. The many national and international awards and certification programmes know 100s of such best practices in destinations world wide - an excellent base for VISTAS 2015!"

All destination nominees were announced in earlier editions of Vision on Sustainable Tourism:

Katwijk is a family tourism destination in the Netherlands that has received the QualityCoast Award.
The Azores islands are a spectacular geological area that has the QualityCoast Gold Award.
Ierapetra (Crete, Greece) is a town with a strong identity, awarded QualityCoast Gold.
Koksijde is a coastal town in Flanders (Belgium) with many recreational facilities, awarded QualityCoast Gold.
Gozo (Malta), awarded the QualityCoast Gold, is an island that cherished its traditional landscape, towns and local identity.
Baiona in Galicia (Spain) received the QualityCoast Gold Award in 2013. Its medieval historical center is listed by the UNESCO.
Alonissos (Greece) is a small island where people still find a traditional Greek experience
Lagos (Portugal), that has the QualityCoast Gold, is a historic town settled in 2000 BC in the region of the Algarve
Goedereede (Netherlands), is a town with traditional style buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
Cascais (Portugal) offers visitors a rare mix of nature, history and culture, wonderful beaches and luxury facilities.
Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli (Italy), is a regional nature park near Pisa, Tuscany, presenting a variety of wetlands, woodlands and dunes.
The Portuguese West Region (Oeste), that has a QualityCoast Award 2013, offers a unique combination of traditional wine cultivation, Ecological and Agriculture
Werfenweng - eco-friendly holidays in the Salzburger Land Gentle mobility enables guests to enjoy a car-free vacation, while still being completely mobile.
Belgium is a foodie hotspot, but it can be difficult to find the best local artisanal products - unless you happen to visit the small town of Durbuy.
Kuldiga ventured in a massive project with innovative sustainable tourism products able to transform a beautiful (but unknown) area and in an multi-activitites tourism destination.
Noordwijk (Netherlands), a QualityCoast Gold destination since 2007, is surrounded by clean beaches, rich dunes, and in spring: tulip fields.
Ameland (Netherlands), awarded QualityCoast Gold, is a Dutch island in the UNESCO Wadden Sea area.
Westvoorne (Netherlands), awarded QualityCoast Gold, is rich in biodiversity and historical buildings, including a lighthouse from 1630.
Schouwen-Duiveland (Netherlands) with its rich nature and animal life is a popular family destination awarded the QualityCoast Gold.
Fuerteventura, Canary islands (Spain) is a Biosphere Reserve, awarded QualityCoast Gold in 2012. Promotion of sustainable transport has resulted into 225 km bike lanes
Paphos district (Cyprus), awarded QualityCoast Gold is the mythical birthplace of Goddess Aphrodite. Its antiquities brought Paphos on the UNESCO list.

And the winners were?

Cascais/ Portugal, Kuldiga/ Latvia, Werfenweng/ Austria, Gozo/ Malta, Durbuy/ Belgium, Lagos/ Portugal

See more at DESTINET

And the losers?

The 'Rusty Nail' award for unsustainable tourism was shared by…

Hurghada: eco-horror for coral reefs
Kazakhstan: 10,000 people fighting to keep their habitat from commercial destruction
Algarve: international autodrome against nature
Sochi: winter Olympics - a lesson in how not to put on a large scale event

See more about the losers at DESTINET

Valere Tjolle

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Werfenweng/Austria: VISTAS 2014 1st prize winner

2014-04-02T08:24:14Z

"Gentle mobility – a break from the car"

In 1995, Werfenweng started to develop its new tourism positioning « Gentle mobility – a break from the car ». The municipality of Werfenweng took actively part in new projects such as the Austria « Modellvorhaben Sanfte Mobilität – Autofreier Tourismus » but also EU-Project Alps Mobility I & II.

Along with those projects, a new product called the « the SAMO Card » came onto the scene in collaboration with the SAMO Hotels. “SAMO” comes from Sanfte Mobilität. In German that means « soft mobility ». Each guest who arrives by train, by bus or leaves his car’s key at the office tourism info pay 8€ for a range of SAMO services. Enjoy fun mobility with Segways, Twizy and many more e-vehicles like E-mountainbikes or pedelecs. Rent E-cars, the « Werfenwenger smile-E’s » : 5 Peugeot iOn, 3 Mitsubishi iMiev, 2 Renault ZOE and 1 Renault Twizy, all charged by solar power.

More than just mobility services, the SAMO card offers additional advantages in summer such as guided hiking tours, nature watch tours and day tours by bus to popular destinations such as Salzburg. In winter, benefit from many other advantages : tour with horses, trekking with lamas or guided snow-shoe walking tours.

Benefits from such a project are numerous at all levels: from 1995 to 2013, the share of non-car arrival rose from 6% to 25% in Werfenweng; the businesses still enjoy a positive development of overnight stays leading to the creation of new jobs; the guests can enjoy a very cheap mobility-inclusive package and finally the inhabitants themselves, proud of their village, use the Werfenweng shuttle, night taxi and fun vehicles.

Matthieu Defrance (GreenHopping & TravelGreenEurope team, 19 march 2014)

See the green offer of Werfenweng

Press release Quality Coast (12 March 2014)

2014-11-25T03:55:05Z

Cascais, Lagos and Gozo VISTAS Award winners at ITB!

Posted March 12, 2014 by QualityCoast News

VISTAS! Durbuy Story on Visions-Travelmole (26 mar 2014)

2014-11-22T11:30:07Z

VISTAS! Beautiful foodie destination wins award

Belgium is a foodie hotspot, but it can be difficult to find the best local artisanal products - unless you happen to visit the small town of Durbuy.

And this month Durbuy won an award at the VISTAS! presentation at ITB.

Everybody knows it. Cohesive food network/restaurants, producers, chefs, recipes, gifts, key product & image 0km food is a big advantage to keep the brand alive.

For more than 150 years, the town has been famed for its cuisine, bringing in connoisseurs from far and wide. It is one of the driving forces behind Durbuy's tourism economy. Numerous products are produced locally, which means the markets in other villages can also be patronised.

Situated at the intersection of three geological regions, Durbuy offers a startling array of landscapes. Shaped by the elements, the area offers majestic and often untold panoramas, such as Roche-à-Frêne, or the view of the Falize in Durbuy's old town. Caves run along the Ourthe and its tributaries, such as the Coléoptère cave in Juzaine, or the cave in Bohon or Villers Ste Gertrude.

Durbuy has been dubbed "European tourist destination of excellence" as, in addition to these assets for boosting tourism, it is leading the way in efforts to establish a real policy of sustainable tourism, which aims to involve all partners concerned, make valuable use of all the material and immaterial resources in the area in terms of tourist activities, manage the impacts of tourism and develop a dynamic communication strategy using the internet.

The forests, densely populated with hardwood, house an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, and it is here that local authorities have laid down 175km of pedestrian footpaths.

Mainly managed by small family businesses, the accommodation sector welcomes many tourists. Visitors will find a range of accommodation adapted to taste, length of visit and reason for stay: hotels of all types, classic or with an unusual personal touch, charming or unique guestrooms, camping areas, group accommodation, places for businesspeople for seminars or team-building exercises, rural cottages, farms or holiday villages…

Tourism, an economic pillar of the town, is moulded by two other important factors: agriculture and forestry. These are what give the area its uniqueness: all the riches of rural life.

SEE DURBUY VIDEO:

DURBUY WEBSITE:

EDEN DESTINATION DURBUY

GREEN DESTINATION VIEWER DURBUY

DURBUY GREEN DESTINATION:

BOOK DIFFERENT DURBUY:

GREENHOPPING DURBUY

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! Gozo Story on Visions-Travelmole (1st april 2014)

2014-11-20T15:08:56Z

VISTAS! Beautiful Mediterranean eco-island wins award

Gozo will become a beautiful eco-island by 2020, supported by a keen and committed sustainable community.

Gozo (Malta), previously awarded the QualityCoast Gold and now a VISTAS! award is an island that cherished its traditional landscape, towns and local identity. It is strong in organic agriculture and in eco-education programs (Eco Gozo). It hosts the world's oldest temples listed by UNESCO. Big efforts were made to restore its valleys and to create heritage trails.

In this nine by five mile sun blessed Mediterranean island, the enterprising visitor discovers unexpected surprises at every corner… from peaceful and well restored farmhouses in picturesque villages to five-star accommodation in any of the luxury hotels, …the close encounter with nature on land and sea, …friendly locals, …breathtaking dive sites at short driving distances from each other, …a mouth watering Mediterranean cuisine - and several heritage sites chief among which, the World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples, the oldest standing prehistoric structure on earth dating back over 5500 years …and the fortified town of the Citadel, also of prehistoric origin. The Gozitan experience is truly unique for visitors and residents alike.

Gozo, or Ghawdex (Awdesch) as it is locally known, lies 25 minutes away by ferry from the most northern point of Malta, Cirkewwa Harbour. Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago, measuring about one third the size of Malta, and is the home of around 30,000 inhabitants. The island is known for its remarkable peculiarities: the pristine coastline and untouched country trails blend into the picturesque scenery; Baroque churches rise from the heart of small villages and traditional farmhouses dot the rural landscape.

Developed just enough to guarantee a sustainable economic activity, Gozo is a masterpiece wrought by nature and shaped through 7000 years of culture by a population which nurtured Calypso's island into the beautiful place we know today. Based on the values of sustainability and the need to protect the natural environment of Gozo, the Government of Malta has now embarked on an ambitious yet achievable vision to transform Gozo into an eco-island.

Gozo will become an eco-island by 2020, supported by a keen and committed sustainable community. Its inhabitants want to see quality of life in Gozo improving further through education, economic development and social progress. Gozo will strive to reduce its carbon and water footprints protecting the Gozitan lifestyle, the island's environment, resources, culture and identity, and see that all these play a significant part in attracting more visitors and investors to the island. The eco-island foresees a sustainable, and therefore, a secure future for the island of Gozo. It is a vision rooted in the island's potential and the capabilities of its people.

EcoGozo is a vision for an island to become even more beautiful, inspiring, welcoming, thriving, inclusive and successful. A healthy and successful place to live in, in equilibrium with the environment. This is essentially what eco-island will strive to achieve. The eco-island vision opens up to most sectors which determine life on the island and at the same time unites everything into one perspective and a common strategy. The four main pillars of this strategy bring together the environmental challenges on the island, the economic aspirations of its people, the development of society, and the preservation of its cultural identity.

Since its inception, Gozitans are increasingly feeling ownership and responding positively to the eco-island proposals and initiatives launched. These include new ways of collecting and preserving rainwater, clean-up campaigns on land and in the sea and the drive towards renewable energy and energy-saving infrastructure. While the eco-island initiatives being implemented in Gozo will mainly favour the lifestyle and well-being of its residents, Gozo as an eco-island will become more attractive for the tourism industry. Visitors who spend time in Gozo relish the beautiful countryside, the island's rural character and rich cultural history, and experience the charm and hospitability of its people. Progress cannot be stopped, nor slowed down, yet it can be directed in ways that render Gozo authentic. The emphasis is not on 'not doing' but on 'doing it well'. Ultimately, the aspiration of turning Gozo into an eco-island seeks to enhance the island population's quality of life. Gozo remains idyllic as a place to live in.

Eco-Gozo builds on this and expands into areas such as sustainable economic development, the creation of quality jobs and the tapping of more specialized niches in tourism such as health-tourism, sport-tourism, cultural tourism and eco- and agri-tourism. Eco-Gozo revolves around people, generation bridging and development. In short, it looks into ways how locals can live a better life, and also how Gozo can be more attractive for foreigners to visit, live and invest in. The pace of life is truly different on Gozo as the island is the place where myth and reality meet head-on. The island has still succeeded in retaining its dream-like qualities of traditions, peace and solitude. If Ulysses were to come here today, he would find it even harder to leave. Today, Gozo can certainly be considered as a holiday destination in its own right, as it has all these special distinctive characteristics which make it absolutely unique!

For more information, about GOZO visit alsohttp:// http://www.visitgozo.com

For more information about the VISTAS! http://www.vistawards.com/

Valere Tjolle, 01 April 2014 (Visons/Travelmole)

VISTAS! Lagos story on Visions-Travelmole (08 April 2014)

2014-11-21T02:51:30Z

VISTAS! beautiful portuguese beach resort wins award

Algarve destination: Europe's most famous secret gets sustainable tourism award

Lagos (Portugal), that has the QualityCoast Gold , and now a VISTAS! Award is a historic town settled in 2000 BC in the region of the Algarve.

The locals organise many markets, festivals and cultural events to preserve its heritage. Implementing environmental sustainable practices in the hospitality sector and supporting emission reduction are other import issues for the city. It was from Lagos that Gil Eanes set sail, the navigator who proved that the world did not end at home and that the sea was not inhabited by monsters. Historically connected to the sea, the town was originally called Lacobriga when settled by the Celts in 2000 BC. Due to its location and economic importance, the city of Lagos has become a focal point for the Portuguese Discoveries from the 15th century and even, in the following century, recognized as capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve

More than sixty percent of nature conservation area makes the landscape of territory particularly attractive. In respect to non-built up areas Lagos has convenient open landscape. The inland is sparsely populated and a considerable part of its population works in agriculture and forestry. As far as touristy towns go, Lagos (lah-goosh) (says Lonely Planet) has got the lot. It lies along the bank of the Rio Bensafrim, with 16th-century walls enclosing the old town's pretty, cobbled streets and picturesque plazas and churches. Beyond these lies a modern, but not overly unattractive, modern sprawl.

The town's good restaurants and range of fabulous beaches nearby add to the allure. With every activity under the sun (literally) on offer, plus a pumping nightlife, it's not surprising that people of all ages are drawn here. In season, with all the crowds and action, the town can feel hectic and claustrophobic.

Aside from its hedonistic appeal, Lagos has historical clout, having launched many naval excursions during Portugal's extraordinary Age of Discoveries. And say two satisfied tourists: "Lagos is a unique little jewel in the Algarve. It has chosen to develop its tourism with taste and class. It offers a balance of the charm and history of the Portuguese culture with a blend of creature comforts and facilities to please the desires of the most discerning tourist. The warmth of Lagos and her people make it difficult to resist falling in love with this seaside town. Can only say that Lagos has a special something that you feel when you spend time here, and that is....Simply Lagos.

For more information, about LAGOS visit also Tourism Portugal

GREEN HOPPING: http://greenhopping.eu/portugal/lagos

And: http://www.lagos.me.uk/

For more information about the VISTAS! http://www.vistawards.com/

Valere Tjolle

VISTAS! Cascais story on Vision-Travelmole (30 April 2014)

2014-04-30T15:33:49Z

VISTAS! Cascais - nature by the med wins award

Rare mix of nature, hivistas-cascais-story-visions-travelmole-30-april-2014 and culture destination wins the VISTAS! award

Cascais (Portugal) offers visitors a rare mix of nature, history and culture, wonderful beaches and luxury facilities. It received a QualityCoast Award 2013. Promoting soft mobility, Cascais offers tourists to rent bicycles free-of-charge. Two innovative nature restoration projects greatly enhance the rich coastal biodiversity of the area, supporting excellent education and information facilities.

Located 30 kilometres west of Lisbon and delimited by the Atlantic Ocean home_cascaisto the south and west, Cascais is a popular and pleasant vacation spot for tourists that has managed to retain much of its original charm. Cascais offers visitors a mix of historical culture, wonderful beaches, natural areas and a vast array of biodiversity to explore and enjoy.

Cascais was initially a fishing town, but today it is the outdoor terraces, the restaurants and the shops that bring the bay and the historic centre alive.

On your first stroll around town you will get a feel for its connection to the sea and the relaxed mood of the Cascais residents. The 19th and early 20th century mansions are currently cultural and leisure venues which provide more information on the hivistas-cascais-story-visions-travelmole-30-april-2014 of this town. They include the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, the Casa de Santa Maria, the Santa Marta Lighthouse and the King Carlos - Sea Museum. Close to the latter, you're bound to come across the Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego (Paula Rego House of Stories), a modern building with a very peculiar design, definitely worth a visit, which houses a number of the works of this Portuguese artist.

Naturally, the proximity to the Atlantic has always contributed to keeping the traditions of fishing and nautical sports, especially sailing, alive. The conditions of the Cascais Marina, the calm sea, the climate, the beaches and the heritage are more than enough reasons for it to be a place of choice for many seamen who spend their holidays here and for holding frequent regattas, whether for recreation or competition

Cascais has been hard at work on its sustainable tourism:

Quality of life, economic growth and environmental issues are highly considered in Cascais. And the town has been hard at work on its sustainable tourism.tj@mail.ru
The implementation of the 2012 Sustainable Strategy and the creation of the Agenda 21 Office are two good examples that demonstrate the importance placed by the local Council on sustainable development.
Situated within the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais, The Eco-Park of Pisão offers interpretative tours to assist visitors who want to learn more about the natural, cultural and historical heritage of this locality.
Bicycles can be hired for free at various points around town. Through the BiCas scheme the municipal council aims to promote the use of public transport and soft mobility.
The Environmental Interpretation Center of Pedra do Sal (CIAPS), considered the first "Zero Energy Building" in Portugal, provides education and information resources about the rich coastal biodiversity of the area.

Valere Tjolle

Further Information:

Quality Coast

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