The Phoenicians’ Route is now well on its path to establishing itself as a path of excellence that guarantees the modern traveller high standards and quality, hospitality and a sense of belonging with the design of the “Smart Ways” paths thanks to assistance from the Routes4U grant.
The project contributed to the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, specifically Pillar 4 for the diversification of Macro-region tourism products and services along with tackling seasonality.
Thanks to the Routes4U grant, many activities were carried out; in museum and archaeological networks; branding and image development; design of “Smart Ways”; strategic and territorial marketing; boosting communication and visibility.
The Phoenician’s Route accomplished, among others, the promotion of knowledge of the historical-archaeological cultural heritage of the areas along the route, as well as the Routes4U project and the Programme of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. Transnational and interregional cooperation was strengthened, while foundations were laid for laid for the creation of transnational tourism products connected to cultural and tourist thematic routes (Smart Ways and in connection with the 4 pillars of the EUSAIR).
Networking, promotion and communication of museums and archaeological sites was also significantly boosted helping to develop a new approach for the growth of sustainable cultural tourism. Local communities were also assisted in increasing their responsibility through the integrated enhancement of museum and archaeological resources.
The objectives of the project “Phoenicians’ Route EUSAIR Smart Way” was primarily to strengthen trans-national and inter-regional co-operation as well as increase knowledge of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, particularly Italy, Croatia and Greece.
By working together with the cultural sector, the grant helped the region towards revitalizing tourism attractions and destinations, diversifying transnational tourism experiences, as well as developing cross-border transnational products linked to cultural and tourist itineraries.
In achieving the goal of prolonging seasonality and enhancing tourism sustainability in Croatia, Greece and Italy (particularly in Sicily, Emilia Romagna, Marche and Puglia Regions), the project focussed on experiential and creative tourism. These had characteristics forms of sustainable tourism that are appealing even in the low season, when leisure tourism is not feasible.
The grant helped the project develop association with cultural attractions that helped target forms of tourism more sensitive to de-seasonalization and sustainability. The increased involvement of local communities resulted in sharing the beneficial effects of tourism among the whole local population that actively participated in creating and integrating development of business in the tourism, cultural and creative sectors.
More information:
www.coe.int/routes4u
Routes4U Grant – Phoenicians’ Route for EUSAIR