Enhancement of the competences and possibilities for religious tourism development and for better integration and management of religious sites in the urban environment

ReligiTour
EU Programme: Erasmus+ KA2 Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education
Reference: 2023-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000156074
Start date: 31/12/2023
End date: 29/06/2026

The project aims to enhance practical skills and knowledge among university academics to effectively advocate for the socialization, integration, and proper management of religious heritage. With the involvement of nine partners, the project addresses the shortage of qualified specialists in heritage valorisation and tourism management able to promote and preserve religious heritage in urban and suburban settings.

ReligiTour will develop a comprehensive methodology to raise awareness of common EU values through the promotion of religious heritage. The initiative seeks to support universities and the NGO sector in sharing experiences and knowledge on religious heritage socialization and religious tourism management.

Objectives

To reinforce the religious heritage as an important aspect and added value to the existing touristic offer in the regions OR as a base for a brand new touristic offer.
To enhance the regions’ offer to better serve tourists, to share their religious traditions and to increase their competitiveness through better utilisation and integration of the existing religious heritage + perpetuate the heritage and religious traditions of the region as a legacy for future generations.
To promote regional development through religious tourism (especially in rural and more isolated areas that have interesting religious sites and traditions that is yet unknown to the vast audience).
To offer the university students and academia the best possible opportunities to participate in an educational programme on religious tourism development and integration and socialization of religious heritage. A course, developed together with experienced and competent partners and based on common European values, principles and perspectives.
To widen the perspectives of their academia and motivate them to consider the questions of socialisation of religious heritage as part of the cultural heritage when designing and conducting their university courses.

Activities

Develop competences of academia to teach and apply models for integration and socialization of religious heritage in urban landscape and to promote religious tourism.
Develop, discuss and exchange good practices in management and entwinement of the religious heritage and the religious tourism offers.
Promoting open society that comprehends the importance of the religious heritage as a base for creation of inclusive, sustainable and representative EU with diverse cultures united in one common family.

Resources

Conceptual and Methodological Framework.
ReligiTour Training pack with three separate documents: Handbook on religious tourism + Handbook on integration of religious sites + Manual on religious heritage with predominantly digital content.
Unique Model for integrated approach in religious tourism.
Unique Model for socialization and integration of religious heritage in urban and sub-urban environment.
Guidebook for trainers.
ReligiTour E-platform with all results.
ReligiTour E-library with various resources.

Results

Enhanced awareness of the importance of religious heritage in promoting EU values and cultural diversity.
Strengthened academic networks and collaborations in the field of religious heritage and tourism.
Improved capacity for universities to provide high-quality education in religious tourism development.
Enhanced cultural preservation and sustainable management of religious heritage sites.
Increased integration of religious heritage into regional tourism offerings.

Co-experts