For the second time in a row the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (EAVF) is awarded with the Erasmus + funds which will enable training for 100 young Italian graduates in France, the United Kingdom and Spain.

The project “FORREsT 2.0: new skills FOR expeRiEntial Tourism” is focused on professional training through international work experiences.

The project foresees 60 days of mobility for 100 Italian graduates from tourism, marketing and corporate information systems sectors, residing along the Via Francigena – in Northern and Southern Italy. The students will have an opportunity to travel to France (40), the United Kingdom (20) and Spain (40).

For the realization of the project, the EAVF established a specific national consortium composed of Institutes of Higher Education, Local and Regional Authorities and Tourism Promotion Associations.

The project aims to respond to new international tourism trends (experiential and sustainable tourism) and to promote development of specific professional skills in the relevant sector. The project ensures economic development of the areas affected by the transit of the Via Francigena, with a view to enhance local communities, united by a European cultural identity expressed by the Via Francigena in times of the tourism recovery after the health emergency.

The young participants will have work placement opportunities in European companies in tourism sectors, thanks to a scholarship that will cover their placement, onsite expenses, logistics and information support.

“FORREsT” will start in October 2020 and will last till September 2022 with an overall budget of € 371.000.

The EAVF has already been involved in the ERASMUS+ scheme since 2019 when it successfully managed its project FORREsT .