The European Association of the Via Francigena ways EAVF participates in the annual Council of Europe Cultural Routes award 2020. This year’s award is titled “Cultural Routes for creative economy and local sustainable development”.
The EAVF, the Via Francigena carrier network, actively contributes to the sustainable development in its three components: social, economic and environmental. The EAVF creates and reinforces the network of local authorities and representatives of private sector and civil society; it encourages development of small and medium enterprises focused on accommodations and services to pilgrims along the route and promotes slow travel and responsible tourism.

That is why the Association participates in the award competition, proudly presenting its best practice of extension of the Via Francigena in the South – from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca (900 km).

The extension – a result of mutual efforts and work of the southern regions in partnership with the EAVF and consultations with the Italian Ministry of Culture and the European Institute of Cultural Routes – was officially approved by the EAVF General Assembly on 18 October 2019.

This extension brings new opportunities for the regions in terms of partnerships, collaboration, employment opportunities and tourism development. The untapped route with incredible cultural and natural wonders is a precious treasure given to pilgrims and walkers willing to extend their journey after the arrival to Rome.  

A jury composed by the representatives of the Member States of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes will vote for the selection of the most outstanding good practices by electronic means. Selected practices will receive the Cultural Routes Annual Award during the Annual Advisory Forum in Chania, Greece to take place on 7 – 9 October 2020.

More information:
Via Francigena in the South
Annual Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes