EAVF participated in the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Training Academy

The cultural route of the Via Francigena participated in the annual Council of Europe Cultural Routes Training Academy and presented its best practices and latest projects. The 8th edition of the Training Academy, organised by the Council of Europe’s technical agency - the European Institute of Cultural Routes and the Hansa Cultural Route took place on 4- 7 June 2019 in the Hanseatic city of Visby, Sweden. The event brought together more than 60 participants from 16 countries, representatives of 16 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, 17 candidate projects for certification, and representatives of international organizations and private stakeholders.   During four intense workdays, the participants exchanged best practices of project development and application for European funds and had an interactive workshop on youth participation in activities of the cultural routes. The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways shared its best practices and exchange opinions about the future strategies of the cultural routes. The Via Francigena, represented by Elena Dubinina, presented its latest collaboration with the Toulouse School of Tourism, Hospitality Management and Food Studies of the University of Toulouse ISTHIA – Jean Jaures. The project, which lasted during the academic year 2018 – 2019 was focused on the qualitative and quantitative research on the impact of the Via Francigena in France and beyond. The research proved an enormous tourism potential of the French section of the Via Francigena, which still needs to be untapped.  The Council of Europe Cultural Routes Training Academy provided an opportunity for fruitful debates and discussions on financial sustainability of the Cultural Routes and engagement of young people as the future of the planet, engines for local development and promotion of European values. More information: Council of Europe Training Academy Hansa Cultural Route Collaboration with Toulouse School of Tourism, Hospitality Management and Food Studies of the University of Toulouse ISTHIA – Jean Jaures