Feasibility study: „European city and culture tourism – Thuringian ...

Final report, VIA REGIA „European city- and culture tourism“
Cross-regional integration of the VIA REGIA
Besides the previously described integration with other theme routes, it´s planned to make
use of the promotional effect of the VIA REGIA that is to apply it as connection element in
the cooperation between states/regions.
A realistic example for cooperation between Thuringia and Saxony might be pointed up by
means of a cycle path being marketed and subject to the topic VIA REGIA whose framework
comes up with various offer packages. The both already existing, cross-regional cycle paths
(long-distance bike-hiking trail Thuringian city cluster and Saxony city route) might serve as
basis for the representation of the connecting element.
Another dimensional integration approach can be established by the connection of the
pilgrimage paths „Ökumenischer Pilgerweg“ (Ecumenical pilgrimage trail) in Thuringia and
Saxony, as well as of the „Jacobusweg“ in Small-Poland, which also follows the route of the
VIA REGIA. An initial contact with the project sponsors has already been made. According
to this, the chances for a sponsorship of cooperation within the framework of the existing
partnership between the Free State of Thuringia and the voivodeship of Small-Poland are
pretty good.
Regional integration of the corridor to North and South
When it comes to the marketing of the East-West corridor VIA REGIA, it is necessary to also
take the adjacent regions into account. Opening up the North and South for development
doesn´t only broaden the offer of the VIA REGIA but also contributes to the promotion and
marketing of the adjacent regions. There are two topic areas providing promising
opportunities for that. On the one hand, it is about the directly adjacent natural areas
(„Naturpark Eichsfeld“, „Geopark Inselsberg-Drei Gleichen“ and „Nationalpark Hainich“) and
on the other hand, we´ve got the diversified culture of the Thuringian residence cities located
outside of the Thuringian city cluster (Meiningen, Arnstadt, Rudolstadt, Schmalkalden,
Hildburghausen). Appropriate topics for the realization of the envisaged North-South
enlargement would be cycling tours, hiking and water-hiking in combination with cultural
destinations.
Bringing history to life
A fundamental challenge for the marketing of history and therewith also of the VIA REGIA is
to make these easy to understand and exciting at the same time. This turns out to be
inevitable especially with regard to the addressing of younger target groups. A brilliant
opportunity for this purpose is being provided by the well-known paper chases. This
innovative way of getting to know a city without the traditional city guide provides a mixture
of play, riddle and pictures, card sets, and other materials which have particularly been
prepared for the purpose of the game. The tourist becomes actively involved in the game
and its course. Another essential part of the game is made up of the encounter with
historical personalities of the city. Interesting tasks are waiting to be solved in the course of
the city tour.
This kind of city sightseeing tour is especially for pupils and young people attractive, since
the possibilities of bringing in innovative technologies like audio guides or navigation
systems ensure an exciting experience. That way, the multifaceted history and significance
of the VIA REGIA can be turned into a vividly graspable and comprehensive adventure.
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