A Europe rich in history, heritage, dialogue and values: the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes program is celebrating its 35th anniversary, on the occasion of 11th Consultative Forum In Minoa Palace HotelChania, Crete (Greece), October 5-7, with a special event to highlight the relevance of Cultural routes for the promotion of cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and sustainable tourism.
The Forum is organized by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes, in cooperation with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Hellenic Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourist Board, the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Chania, the Chania Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Historic Café Route. The 2022 edition will be an opportunity to highlight the growing relevance of the methodology and practices of Cultural Routes in promoting Europe’s common cultural heritage while promoting viable local development.
Deputy General Secretary Bjørn Berge will participate in the high-level dialogue, with Greek Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni, Greek Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias, the Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) Vice-president and president of the Greek delegation Dora Bakoyannis and president of the Statutory Committee for Cultural Routes Ambassador Patrick Engelberg (Luxembourg).
Over three days of workshops and interactive debates, three main general sessions will be explored:
- Promote European values and intercultural dialogue;
- Safeguard heritage in times of crisis;
- Fostering creative industries, cultural tourism and innovative technologies for sustainable communities.
The Forum will discuss trends and challenges related to Cultural Routes, providing a platform to share experiences, review progress, analyze professional practices, launch new initiatives and develop partnerships across Europe and beyond. Participants range from managers of the 48 cultural routes to representatives of national ministries, international organizations, academics, experts and tourism professionals.
