In January 2021 the European Association of the Via Francigena ways officially joined the European Tourism Manifesto, an informal alliance launched by European public and private stakeholders to raise the profile of the tourism sector among EU policymakers.

The alliance asks the EU, among others, to tackle several policy priorities for the tourism sector to ensure that tourism in Europe continues to be a key driver for economic growth and job creation, fostering European values and citizenship.

The alliance currently gathers more than 60 public and private organisations (organisations with a European or international scope, umbrella organisations or big companies) such as Europa Nostra and TUI, which are representing the entire tourism value chain and beyond (more information here https://tourismmanifesto.eu/who-we-are). The European Travel Commission is currently holding the Chairmanship and Secretariat of this group.

During its 5 years of activity, the alliance has issued numerous statements and activities. It’s latest statement focused on importance of including the tourism sector into the national recovery and resilience plans.

The EAVF is an Association of Regions and Local Authorities along the territories crossed by the historic route of the Via Francigena. It focuses the work on safeguarding and promotion of the route’s legacy and the advocacy for sustainable walking tourism. The EAVF looks forward to actively working with other members of the European Tourism Manifesto.