Day 2 of the 13th Training Academy Highlights Sustainable Tourism and Cross-Border Cooperation

The second day of the 13th Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe brought participants from Pécs, Hungary, to Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia, offering a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how Cultural Routes can contribute to sustainable tourism development, community engagement, and cross-border cooperation. 

As part of this year's innovative transnational Academy, organised by the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route in cooperation with Zsolnay Heritage Management Nonprofit Ltd. and Tourism Board of Osijek-Baranja County, participants travelled across the Hungarian-Croatian border to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the Baranja region.

The day began with a journey by train from Pécs to Croatia, reflecting the Academy's broader objective of strengthening connections across borders and fostering cooperation among Cultural Routes and their stakeholders. Upon arrival in Osijek-Baranja County, participants were introduced to local examples of sustainable tourism development and destination management.

A key part of the programme focused on learning from practical experiences along the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route. Discussions explored how Cultural Routes can support local communities, encourage responsible tourism practices, and create opportunities for economic and social development while preserving cultural heritage and local identity.

Throughout the day, participants visited sites within the Baranja wine region, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with local stakeholders and experience the region's rich cultural landscape. The field visits demonstrated how heritage, gastronomy, wine traditions, and tourism can be combined to create authentic visitor experiences and strengthen regional attractiveness.

Beyond the technical discussions and site visits, the programme provided valuable opportunities for networking and peer learning among representatives of Cultural Routes from across Europe. Participants exchanged experiences, shared good practices, and reflected on common challenges and opportunities related to sustainable tourism, visitor engagement, and route management.

The second day of the Academy reinforced one of the central messages of this year's theme, "Confidence and Diversity": that Cultural Routes are more than itineraries connecting places. They are living networks that connect people, communities, cultures, and ideas across borders. 

The Academy concludes on its third day with participant-led sessions, discussions on the future development of the Cultural Routes Programme, and reflections on how Cultural Routes can continue contributing to sustainable development, cooperation, and European cultural dialogue.

A sincere thank you goes to the hosts in Osijek-Baranja County for welcoming participants and sharing the region's outstanding cultural heritage, hospitality, and tourism experiences.