The 14th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe took place in the extraordinary cultural landscape of Cappadocia, Türkiye, from 22 to 24 October 2025.
Held under the theme “Cultural Routes and Landscapes: Advancing Heritage Protection through Cultural and Sustainable Tourism,” this year’s Forum coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Council of Europe Landscape Convention. Discussions focused on how the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe can contribute to protecting Europe’s landscapes and cultural heritage through sustainable, inclusive, and innovative tourism practices.
Over 300 stakeholders of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme attended the Forum, including representatives from EPA member states, certified Cultural Routes, University Network for Cultural Routes Studies, international organisations, and professionals from the fields of tourism, heritage, and culture.
The Netherlands and Ireland took part for the first time as new member states of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes. The growth and development of the programme was also visible through the celebration of three newly certified Cultural routes: Romea Strata, Pyrenean Freedom Routes, and Saint Francis’ Ways.
The event provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas on how Cultural Routes can contribute to the conservation of Europe’s landscapes and diverse forms of heritage, while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism development.
The conclusions of the Forum contain important guidelines and recommendations for action and advocacy to strengthen the routes relevance for sustainable development and sustainable tourism, notably regarding sustainable and inclusive tourism, inclusive heritage interpretation, cultural tourism development, living heritage and the role of food traditions.
Participants also experienced Cappadocia’s heritage through a series of cultural activities and excursions showcasing the region’s unique geological features, historical landmarks, and vibrant local traditions.
The event was organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), with the support of local authorities from the Cappadocia region.
