The 13th edition of the Training Academy of the Cultural Routes took place in Pécs, (Hungary) and Osijek, (Croatia) from 2 to 5 June, bringing together over 100 participants from 24 countries and 30 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
Dedicated to the theme “Shaping Confidence and Diversity”, this transfrontier edition fostered dialogue, mutual learning and intercultural exchange through a participant-centred programme. Over four days, participants engaged in discussions and workshops on recent developments within the Programme of Cultural Routes, shared best practices, and explored ways to strengthen its quality, growth and impact.
Group discussions addressed key perspectives for the future development of the Programme, including network management, representativeness, youth participation, the consequences of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, preparations for the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Routes Programme, and cooperation with universities. Participant-led sessions showcased innovative approaches to route development, focusing on responsible tourism, cooperation and visibility, accessibility and inclusion, youth engagement, and 40th anniversary initiatives.
The 13th Academy was organised by the European Institute of the Cultural Routes (EICR) and Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route in close cooperation with Zsolnay Heritage Management Nonprofit Ltd in Hungary and the Tourism Board of Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia. The ICG (Informal Contact Group of Cultural Routes) contributed to the preparation of the programme by advising the Secretariat and the hosting Cultural Route.
A National Meeting for Hungarian Cultural Routes’ representatives was held with Eszter CSONKA-TAKÁCS, Vice-Chair of the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) and Representative of Hungary to the Programme.
Alongside the working sessions, participants had the opportunity to discover the rich historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage of Pécs and Osijek-Baranja County with guided tours and field visits.
Read more about the 13th Training Academy here.
