Šiauliai Tourism Information Centre

BALTS’ ROAD – TOWARDS AN OVERALL OBJECTIVE

Nations of Lithuania and Latvia are since long close neighbours that are connected by ancient Balts culture. This culture is of unique and irreplaceable value. It is priceless because it laid the foundation for communication between neighbouring countries and a beginning of common origins. While promoting cross-border cooperation and relations between Lithuania and Latvia it is essential that common Balts culture would remain interesting to everyone and Balts traditions would encourage interest of local and foreign citizens in regions of Lithuania and Latvia, its traditions and crafts.

National Regions Development Agency together with partners from Lithuania and Latvia is implementing a project called ”International cultural route Balts’ Road” concept of which is developed on the basis of common linguistic, archaeological, historical and intercultural perception of balts tribes and evaluated tendencies of tourist needs and behaviour. In order to encourage interest of tourists in territories inhabited by balts tribes, tangible and intangible heritage, in guardians of balts culture and project activities the partners intend to create an intercultural tourist path “Balts’ Road” and present balts culture in a modern and innovative way.

Visitors of International Trade and Achievement Exhibition “Siauliai 2017” were the first ones to watch a unique virtual reality film. Modern technologies instantly transferred each participants to the territories that were inhabited by balts tribes, surrounded them with wild charming nature, let them feel the breathing of lynxes, and see from the bird’s eye view where the balts tribes lived. All those who watched the film claimed that it aroused unforgettable emotions and a desire to get acquainted with the balts culture.

Team of “Prigimtinės kultūros institutas” led by archeologist V. Vaitkevičius is already preparing a feasibility study. Here the Balts Path is seen as a phenomenon which is very much alive and kicking. Despite its cultural importance it is closely related to universally shared values that are manifested in a responsible approach towards the surroundings, development of sustainable economy, promotion of equal human rights and opportunities.

During feasibility study the most important objects that will reflect balts culture, enable to become acquainted with specific natural heritage, customs and ancient balts traditional crafts are chosen and are being included in the tourist path. The established tourist route will enhance the desire of knowledge of tourists and locals and enable them to discover a source of inspiration. We will invite to try this tourist route soon.

Local communities, those who foster and guard balts culture, craftsmens and small business entrepreneurs (including providers of food, accommodation and other services) are invited to become ambassadors of the “Balts’ Road” and be visible in the tourism path. Already this spring we will invite potential representatives of the “Balts Path” to training sessions where we will acquaint them with traditions of balts culture, provide knowledge about how to meet tourist groups, prepare educational programmes, present traditional crafts, food and accomodation services provided.

The total budget of the project is EUR 763,402.35. EUR 648,892 of the total is European Regional Development Funds co-financing.

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