Recently, tourism professionals from Western Balkans worked together to develop two long-distance cross-border routes aimed at adventure travelers, the Via Dinarica hiking trail and Transdinarica cycle path. Today, six Balkan countries are extending this cooperation to the cultural domain, with three new thematic heritage itineraries planned for those who want to discover the history, architecture, gastronomy and culture of the region.
“The Western Balkans have in recent years become globally known for being an untapped reservoir of adventure landscapes – due to their seaside and mountains, as well as their skiing, cycling and hiking opportunities,” says Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the European Union. Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). The RCC and its tourism project, with support and funding from the EU, strive to develop the full tourism potential of the region through discovery itineraries tailored to tourists. “But the Western Balkans also constitute one of the richest cultural environments in Europe. When travelers visit the region, it is possible to have a vacation that hits all the right notes from a geographic and heritage perspective.
With this in mind, the RCC has contributed to the creation of a series of cultural routes and itineraries across the Western Balkan countries. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia And Serbia. These tourist routes and trails will be launched this year at the ITB Travel Trade Show in Berlin, from March 6 to 10.
THE Crossroads of civilizations this route allows visitors to discover the region cultural complexity developed and redefined by various empires over millennia. The network of stops – including capitals – looks at the many influences that have shaped the region, from the Illyrians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines to the Ottomans, Venetians and Habsburgs.
THE Monumental Balkan Trail explores about 40 post-war monuments found throughout the region. Situated between wild rivers, mountains, canyons and valleys, the route takes travelers through unique artistic achievements erected to remind us of tragic events, heroic perseverance and creative genius.
THE Roman Emperors and the Illyricum Trail on the Danube Wine Route expands the existing Council of Europe route – highlighting the “northern border of the Empire” along the middle and lower Danube – and extends attention to archaeological and millennia-old sites wine regions throughout the Western Balkans.
“Thanks to the tourism project, the RCC is helping the region to reach its tourism potential,” continues Ms. Bregu. “Our goal is to involve local communities, improve employment, bring more income to the population, develop economically and grow faster. We want to contribute to the creation of Western Balkans that complement Europe’s tourism offering.”