AIS participates in the 2025 Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

The Aromas Itinerarium Salutis Association, promoter of the European Route of Historic Pharmacies and Medicinal Gardens, certified in 2024 by the Council of Europe, took part in the 2025 Training Academy of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. The event was held from 11 to 13 June along the Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres, crossing the Portuguese municipalities of Torres Vedras, Arruda dos Vinhos, and Vila Franca de Xira.

Organised annually in collaboration with one or more certified Cultural Routes and supported by the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR), the Training Academy offers specialised training on current issues in cultural heritage management and tourism promotion, combining practical workshops with exchanges between academic and professional experts.

The 12th edition was co-organised by Destination Napoleon and Iter Vitis – Les Chemins de la Vigne en Europe, gathering around 100 representatives from certified Cultural Routes, together with delegations from Portugal and Spain, in a context dedicated to international cooperation and strengthening of networks.

AIS participation in the Academy’s working sessions

AIS took part in workshops, round tables and plenary sessions focusing on:

• visibility and marketing strategies,
• collaborative project development,
• environmental sustainability and multi-level governance,
• integration of digital storytelling in cultural heritage.

Its contribution helped reaffirm the Route’s position as a European model of sustainable and interdisciplinary cultural tourism, consistent with the fundamental values of the Cultural Routes programme: human rights, cultural democracy, diversity, and intercultural dialogue.

Towards a shared cultural horizon in Europe

The Academy fostered a common vision among participants: building a democratic European cultural future through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and perspectives. This aligns with the mission of AIS to contribute to the development of a shared European heritage.

Looking ahead

The 2025 Training Academy was an important opportunity for AIS to strengthen ties with other European routes, develop strategic partnerships, and consolidate its role within the international network of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.