In the city of Braga, one of the most historic cities in Portugal, 30 May 2019 was successfully 1st Tourist Forum of Border Tourism, in the context of the implementation of the EPICAH project of the INTERREG EUROPE European Program. The work of the Tourism Forum, as expected, attracted the interest of a large number of representatives of 9 partners from 8 different countries of the European Union participating in the implementation of the EPICAH project, as well as special experts, politicians, academics and representatives of organizations in the field of tourism from the wider region of North-West Portugal.
The Greek side was represented on behalf of the Region of Western Macedonia by officials of the Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia, accompanied by special experts and officials of the Administrative Authority in the fields of implementation and management of European programs regarding culture and tourism.
The work of the Tourist Forum according to the program was divided into 2 sections. Specifically:
- At 1st section of the work, presented and analyzed both the strategic plan and the good practices implemented during the implementation of the DESTINO FRONTERA project on the borders of Spain and Portugal, the experience gained from the successful implementation of the project, as well as the positive effect of its results on the development of Border Tourism in the region, through the proper management and promotion of its natural and cultural reserve.
- During the 2nd section of the forum, representatives of the project partners and special experts presented to the public, successful examples of the application of good practices in the management of the natural and cultural stock in other border regions of Europe.
At the close of the conference, it was emphasized in a very positive way by the majority of those present, the fact that it was the first time that the concept of Border Tourism was presented and analyzed to such an extent and with such completeness in the context of a European forum.The promotion and development of tourism in the border – cross-border areas is the most important goal of the implementation of the EPICAH project. The actions implemented in the context of the project are mainly aimed at improving policy tools for the cross-border protection and development of natural and cultural heritage, through partnerships, exchange of experiences and good practices between partners with significant experience, as well as through the development of strategic projects and new types of actions in the field of cross-border cooperation.
