In a bid to foster local development through cultural tourism, the Region of Central Greece has joined the Research Program “Popular Culture as a Development Lever for the Local Economy and Cultural Tourism in the Region of Western Phthiotis.” This collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) underscores the relevance of cultural tourism as a pivotal aspect of development policy for local communities worldwide.
The initiative unfolds across two essential axes. The first axis examines fundamental elements of folk culture. This includes on-site research into the region’s social, cultural, and environmental aspects, as well as leveraging its natural cultural resources—forests, mountains, and traditional technologies such as watermills. Additionally, local culinary traditions, oral histories, and legends contribute to a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Focusing on the second axis, the programme intends to launch a dedicated website that showcases Western Phthiotis’s folk culture to promote local tourism. This site will serve as a digital portal, enticing potential visitors by highlighting daily cultural life and tourism attractions within the Fthiotida region.
The findings will not only enhance the appreciation of local folklore but also support the operation of the Folklore Museum of Dikastro and other smaller museums. Engaging in rigorous ethnographic research, this project utilises archival folklore-ethnographic collections, laying a robust foundation for the future of cultural tourism in the area.
The Region of Central Greece is partaking in a Research Program to promote local development through cultural tourism in Western Phthiotis, collaborating with NKUA. The programme has two axes: exploring folk culture through research and launching a website to highlight cultural heritage and attract tourism. Overall, it aims to enhance the local economy and support folklore museums in the region.
By merging cultural heritage with local economic development, the Region of Central Greece aims to draw visitors and promote sustainable tourism in Western Phthiotis. The emphasis on folk culture and the creation of an engaging online platform will serve to highlight the region’s unique identity while supporting its cultural institutions. This initiative promises to weave a narrative rich in tradition and community, fostering growth and appreciation for the region’s diverse heritage.
Original Source: www.tornosnews.gr
