Follow the Camino has won the ECTN Award 2024 for its development of the Camino Portugues Coastal hiking route. The awards ceremony took place in Dublin, marking its tenth anniversary. The trail connects Porto to Santiago de Compostela, enhancing regional business and tourism. Collaborating with local partners, Follow the Camino has significantly increased traveler numbers and highlighted the local heritage, making a positive impact in the region.
Follow the Camino has achieved a prestigious recognition, winning first place at the European Cultural Tourism Network Awards 2024 for its initiative, the Camino Portugues Coastal. This award highlights the company’s efforts in promoting and developing this scenic hiking route that weaves along the Atlantic coastline from Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The awards ceremony took place on October 24, 2024, at Dublin Castle, marking a significant milestone as it celebrated the tenth anniversary of the ECTN Awards—the first event of its kind hosted in Ireland. The Camino Portugues Coastal, a scenic variation of the Portuguese Way of St James, connects the historic ties of Portugal and Spain in the Galicia–North Portugal Euroregion. This carefully crafted trail not only offers active holidaymakers breathtaking coastal views but has also fueled economic growth in the region, which has faced challenges of urbanization and over-tourism. Follow the Camino collaborates with over 55 partners, including hotels, restaurants, taxi services, and local tour guides, creating a robust tourism network along the Camino Portugues Coastal. In 2014, Umberto di Venosa laid the groundwork by meeting local businesses and crafting a guidebook, ultimately transforming a path walked by fewer than 1,000 individuals annually into a thriving route for 52,000 travelers today. The development of this cultural trail enriches travelers’ experiences and highlights the vibrant local heritage, which played a crucial role in Follow the Camino’s nomination for the ECTN Awards. As the only pan-European network for cultural tourism, ECTN involves 29 members across 19 countries and is a key player in promoting heritage tourism. Umberto di Venosa expressed his gratitude, stating that winning this award honors the beauty of the Portuguese coast and the commendable efforts of local communities and tourism promoters who showcase this serene pilgrimage route.
The recognition of Follow the Camino at the ECTN Awards marks a significant achievement in cultural tourism, particularly focusing on the ways in which hiking routes can enhance local economies and promote social ties. As urbanization threatens rural areas, initiatives like the Camino Portugues Coastal represent innovative solutions that connect culture, community, and travel. Organizing tours and activities in collaboration with local businesses accelerates ecotourism and preserves the rich heritage of the region, ensuring sustainable growth.
In summary, Follow the Camino’s victory at the ECTN Awards exemplifies the transformative power of cultural tourism. The entwining of local heritage with active travel not only elevates the travel experience but also injects vitality into local economies. By creating and nurturing the Camino Portugues Coastal trail, Follow the Camino has set a benchmark for sustainable tourism that resonates with the essence of community and culture.
Original Source: ittn.ie
