For the first time ever a Polish tourist region has been awarded the title of the national Destination of Excellence. It was granted as part of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) project of the European Commission to the Bird' Republic located at the mouth of the Warta river in western Poland.

 
Danuta Isler reports

 
The "European Destinations of Excellence" (EDEN) project was launched by the European Commission in accordance with European tourism policy guidelines in 2006. Its aim is to promote the diversity and beauty of Europe’s non traditional tourist sites whose growth is pursued in a sustainable way.

The project is based on national competitions that take place every year and result in the selection of a tourist “destination of excellence” for each participating country.
Poland has participated in the program for the first time. The winner - the  Bird' Republic located at the mouth of the Warta river in western Poland is an initiative put together in 2002 by an association called "Unitis Viribus" composed of local travel agents, inhabitants and authorities.

The Birds Republic is home to one of Poland’s largest bird reserves.
More information can be found at www.edenineurop