In the second half of 2024, five universities joined the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies: Balıkesir University Faculty of Tourism (Türkiye), the Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism of Budapest Metropolitan University (Hungary), Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli Faculty of Tourism (Türkiye), the University of Eötvös Loránd (Hungary), and Universidad de La Laguna (Canary Islands, Spain).
A general framework agreement for collaboration between the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) and each of these universities was signed by Mr Stefano DOMINIONI, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and Director of the EICR, alongside the representatives of each institution.
Balıkesir University Faculty of Tourism has been actively involved in numerous activities related to the Aeneas cultural route certification which took place in 2022. The faculty offers courses and supports academic projects on cultural heritage and tourism.
The Faculty of Business, Communication and Tourism at Budapest Metropolitan University in Hungary brings interdisciplinary expertise in tourism studies, with an emphasis on its economic model and sustainable development practices.
Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University The Faculty of Tourism has a strong academic program on cultural tourism, particularly focusing on the rich Cappadocian heritage. The university has organized numerous activities into the management and development of the UNESCO heritage Göreme Historical National Park. They are expected to contribute significantly to the organization of the 14th Annual Advisory Forum which will take place in the region.
The University of Eötvös Loránd in Hungary, through its cultural and tourism research departments, has actively engaged in the study of Cultural Routes. The university has collaborated with international partners on various projects, focusing on cultural heritage. Furthermore, some of its researchers contribute to the development and activities of the Via Habsburg Cultural Route.
Finally, Universidad de La Laguna, located in the Canary Islands, has been deeply involved in cultural studies and tourism management. The university’s research and dynamics carried out the certification of the Transhumance Trails cultural route. The route is linking actors from 11 countries, including Mexico and Guatemala, two Ibero-American participants.
The University Network for Cultural Routes Studies aims to foster research on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, encourage students to explore these themes in their academic work, jointly apply for European grants with the EICR, participate in the EICR’s annual activities, and offer scientific expertise where needed.
