Description
Description (EN): It is generally approved that the unique & diverse cultural resources are a major component of the cross border area tourism assets and that cultural tourism is a key economic sector in terms of potential for growth and employment. The tourist activity though, is still concentrated on the coastal areas of Epirus and its mountainous part such as the one of the Prefecture of Gjirokaster, however culturally rich may be, they still remain to be exploited as an asset for cultural tourism, which is the target of this project proposal and the common challenge they need to tackle. In order for cultural heritage sites to serve as the engine for tourism and regional development to their full potential responsibly, as well as increase the overall attractiveness of the region in the frame of a global economy and globalized market, they must be promoted through strategic management and marketing actions. They must be promoted as branded tourist products, following a holistic plan designed and implemented by a Structure created and dedicated to their management. As a result, the overall objective of the project is to strike a balance between sustainable conservtion and development of the economic and social potential of cultural heritage, through the creation and management of a Cultural Branded Destination Route and the main output, that derives from it, is the creation and management of the Ancient Theatres and Sites Route as a Branded Destination. The innovation, originality and the change this output is about to bring has to do with the management and the marketing plan of this Cultural Route, which aims to promote it as a holistic tourist product. For the first time -at least in Epirus and Gjirokaster- a Cultural Destination Management Structure CDMS study will be produced with the aim to lead to an integrated model of governance, which will be socially inclusive, investing in human capital. The beneficiaries will be the local communities, authorities, stakeholders and entrepreneurs on tourism, students and of course tour operators and potential travelers-tourists. Based on previous but also present collaboration with the Albanian partners on the project THEMA, this project emphasizes the importance of developing interregional and cross border cultural and tourism products and services which are based on coordinated action, built on synergies, save resources, and strengthen and promote the common cultural identity and the competitiveness of the entire region. It also supports the creation of common initiatives that increase the visibility of cultural sites and aspires to establish the cross border area as a branded destination. This cross border approach is expected to add value to the exchange and transfer of experiences and knowledge between the participating countries but most importantly to add value to their cultural tourism development and offer.
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Expected Results (EN): As mentioned in B1.2, the overall goal of i-Thea project is the creation and management of a Cultural Branded Destination Route, based on the main archeological sites and theatres in the CB area. The aim is twofold: enhance the touristic offer through the development of holistic cultural tourist products while involving local communities in this integrated management governance model. Thus, the direct, immediate and achievable effects resulting from the project are: a.cooperation among local population & regional institutions for raising awareness relevant to cultural heritage b.public-private cooperation for developing higher value-added forms of tourism c.creation of a competitive, holistic and branded tourist product d.development of a new effective and innovative management/marketing tool for tourism destinations e.offer of common training on different age/occupational groups for acquiring high-level professional skills from well-trained specialists, as regards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in both sides of the border.All these measurable effects will be visibly produced throughout the two years project. In the long run, this project aims to achieve the preservation of regional architectural monuments and historic sites, the creation of accessible, locally distinctive, vital environments for travel, leisure and education for the local population and tourists, the provision of quality services that will eventually attract new audience and extend their visit in the area thus generating economic revenue for the local inhabitants.It will promote a sustainable tourism model which will be boosted via the networking for transfer of know-how and which can be diffused as best practice to other areas inspiring public&private bodies for action & be adapted accordingly. Due to the above, we estimate that overnight stays in the CB area will increase by 0.1%, thus the total result indicator will reach the target-value of approx.9,01 million overnights
Read more Expected Outputs (EN): The 'i-Thea' project's outputs are in total consistence with the above described objectives. The main output corresponds to the overall objective which is the creation and management of the Ancient Theatres and Sites Route as a Branded Destination. This goal will be achieved through five (5) well balanced Work Packages (WP) which suit each beneficiary's competences and skills. WP
1. 'Project Management & Coordination' is common to all beneficiaries and will ensure the smooth, joint management of the project.WP2 contains all the Communication and Dissemination actions:Epirus SA and the Prefecture of Gjirokaster (PG) are responsible for the Communication/Publicity Activities, the Promotion Material, the digital photo-library and photo album and the Organizing of the Closing Event. RCDC for the Project Communication Plan (including local branding), the Project Portal, Social Media and Internet Marketing and the Publication of Multiday Classes Proceedings Volume for which the UoI will be responsible in Greece. As regards the involvement of local communities and training:WP3 Investment in people:Epirus SA and RCDC organise Master Classes, UoI and RCDC Multiday Theory & Practice Classes, Epirus SA and PG Building a network of ambassadors, Epirus SA Collective memories & local narratives. WP 4 Branded cultural tourism product:Epirus SA and PG will do the Cultural mapping and the Updating of the existing THEMA app & bluetooth sensors. UoI will provide the 3D modeling digital reconstructions, while Epirus SA and RCDC the New cultural heritage product development and the Packaging. WP 5 Integrated Management & Promotion of Cultural Destinations:Epirus SA will do the Guidebook for Cultural Destinations Management Structures (CDMS). UoI is responsible for the Capacity-building in the area of cultural heritage promotion & management, Epirus SA and PG for the Fam & Press trip. RCDC for the Common Strategic Management & Marketing Networking Plan.
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Partners (4)
Lead Partner:
Epirus S.A.
Address:
Pl. Pirrou & M.Aggelou , 453 32 Ioannina, Greece
Legal status:
public
Website:
http://www.epirussa.gr
Total budget:
EUR 185 020.88
IPA2 budget:
EUR 157 267.75
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Regional Center for Development & Cooperation
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Name:
Regional Center for Development & Cooperation
Address:
Unaza e Re, nr.C34, Kati 7Tirana, Albania
Legal status:
private
Website:
http://www.rcdcalbania.org
Total budget:
EUR 91 255.80
IPA2 budget:
EUR 77 567.43
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Institution of Prefect of Gjirokastra Region
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Name:
Institution of Prefect of Gjirokastra Region
Address:
Sheshi "Çerçizit", GjirokasterGjirokaster, Albania
Legal status:
public
Total budget:
EUR 77 696.00
IPA2 budget:
EUR 66 041.60
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University of Ioannina - Research Committee
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Name:
University of Ioannina - Research Committee
Address:
University Campus , 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
Legal status:
public
Website:
http://www.rc.uoi.gr/
Total budget:
EUR 163 440.50
IPA2 budget:
EUR 138 924.42
