Experiences in comparison to make culture and itineraries alive through accessibility. The “Matera Mare” Forum, to which EAVF took part, focused on activities in favour of the sustainability of itineraries that are accessible by anyone.A day of meeting, discussion and comparison within the Forum in Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, on a particularly significant theme, the one bound to “accessibility of historical itineraries for the enhancement of the territory: Paths, Places and Pit Stops”. A very participated forum.
To make information about itineraries and paths, buildings and services based on shared criteria available for every traveller becomes a priority to insert within the development politics for the territories, at a regional and national level, starting from recommendations that can be found on a European scale. The goal is for travellers with special needs to find buildings and places that are ready to accommodate them, offering services and information thanks to contemporary localisation systems, too.
The European Association of the Vie Francigene took its experience to the forum with the President Massimo Tedeschi: “The Via Francigena inserts itself in the context of cultural itineraries of the Council of Europe that follow the principle of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, respect, tolerance, democracy. In addition to these principles, the one of inclusion, which is also directed to the cultural and touristic field.
EAVF’s assembly recently launched the new Vademecum for the use of the Via Francigena and of its standards of reference. One of the main axis is the one of accessibility, upon which institutions, associations and private operators are invited to contribute.
The proposal made by Pietro Scidurlo, in collaboration with his association FreeWheels and other experiences on accessibility inserted naturally within the principles upon which the Via Francigena is developing”.
During the morning, studies, considerations and projects connected to tourism for everyone to support the touristic inclusion, have been presented. In the afternoon there have been working tables addressed to the exploration of shared strategies on accessibility in Basilicata and in the Italian territory, to create an effective network with the actors of the territory.
Luca Bruschi
