During 2007 and 2008, the Malta Tourism Authority participated in a pilot project entitled European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), co-funded by the European Commission, EU Member States and Candidate Countries. Through its participation in EDEN, the Malta Tourism Authority aims to highlight Malta's diversity which would in turn assist in easing problems of seasonality and help re-balance the tourist flows towards the non-traditional locations.

The Hamlet of Santa Lucija in Kercem, Gozo, was this year’s successful locality. The ingredients of this success have been the involvement of the local community, the dedication and strategic vision of its very active NGO supported by the Local Council. The awarded destination of Sta. Lucija, stood firmly above the rest in its efforts to promote its intangible heritage. Through the EDEN project it will also gain recognition on local and European level, thus setting itself as an example and as an encouragement for other similar projects to take place on the local and European scenes.

The three main activities organised by the Ta' Klula Folkloristic Foundation on an annual basis which have assisted in the achievement of this award were: (a) Bis-Sahha (A toast to Good Health) - a wine festival with local wine, food and traditional dancing and music; (b) Ikla tan-Nanna (Grandma’s Dinner - a 7-course meal of traditional ingredients, cooked locally and accompanied with local wine, folkloristic music, dancing and re-enactments of scenes from the past. The village piazza is decorated in traditional style.  (c) The Light Festival is a winter festival that celebrates the Patron Saint of the Hamlet Santa Lucija. Young girls with garlands of lit candles on their head light the bonfire in the square. Brass Bands entertain the visitors who can also sample traditional food and local wine. The famous Santa Lucija Buns are distributed to people as they leave the church after the Service.

The Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit within the MTA has recently submitted its proposal for the third edition of the EDEN project which will focus on Tourism and Protected Area. The aim is to reward that locality which has well managed to preserve and promote its designated protected areas. Calls for expression of interest will be issued at the beginning of 2009.