The New Vision University (NVU) officially joined the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies on 26 October 2026, following the signing of a General Framework Cooperation Agreement with European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR).
Through its School of Arts and Cultural Heritage, the university is actively engaged in education and research in fields relevant to Cultural Routes, including cultural heritage, creative industries, local development, sustainability, tourism and cultural diplomacy.
The School’s academic programme includes a BA in Sustainable Culture, Heritage and Innovation, offering four concentrations: Cultural Management and Policy, Sustainable Tourism, Creative Entrepreneurship and Gastronomic Heritage. It also features a dedicated course on Cultural Routes, covering route governance, interpretation, community participation and sustainable development.
NVU has already established cooperation with the Iter Vitis Route and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), becoming an IGCAT Academic Partner in April 2026.
The university also has experience in international academic cooperation and research, including participation in the Horizon Europe REUNIR project and collaboration with the Council of Europe on the SMART Schools for Sustainable Solutions project, among other initiatives.
Located in Georgia, at the crossroads of several certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, NVU brings an important South Caucasus perspective to the Network. Its membership will strengthen opportunities for academic cooperation, research and knowledge exchange, support student engagement with Cultural Routes and contribute its expertise to the activities of the Cultural Routes Programme.
The University Network for Cultural Routes Studies promotes research on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, encourages students to explore these themes in their academic work, participates in the Programme’s annual activities, and provides scientific expertise when necessary.
