ROMA (ITALPRESS) – After the launch of the Path of Francis, continues the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism for the valorization of Italian paths as a strategic infrastructure of slow, sustainable tourism and identity. An investment that focuses on Salento, with the project “For a South Via Francigena accessible to all”, funded by the Ministry and in phase of completion. The intervention, promoted by the Municipality of Poggiardo as leader, in collaboration with the European Association of Vie Francigene – AEVF and the Mollare Mai Association, affects about 120 km and 5 stages of the Via Francigena between Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca, with specific actions in the Municipalities of Poggiardo, Cannole, Giuggianello, Giurdignano, Martano, Palmariggi and Tricase, and also benefits for other centres. An innovative model that makes the Via Francigena del Sud opener in Italy for accessibility in a broad sense: not only motor, sensory and cognitive disabilities, but also needs related to age, nutrition and temporary conditions. Critical points mapping, track georeferencing, services and places of interest, maintenance work, and the development of augmented and virtual reality tools for inclusive asset use are planned. In program also stop points with first aid kit, smart benches powered by solar panels and QR code tactile.
The project, which follows the Vademecum AEVF on the Via Francigena accessible and continues the path started with “Via Francigena For All” and “HIKE4ALL”, is part of the national strategy of support to the candidacy of the Via Francigena Italian UNESCO World Heritage, currently under evaluation, with a expected outcome in October 2026. As part of the project, from 23 to 25 September BTM Interazioni will stop in Poggiardo with a fam trip for national and international buyers, B2B meetings with local operators and, on 25 September at 15 at the Palace of Culture, a national conference on tourism accessible along the paths.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
