An integral component of Mediterranean trade and culture, the Phoenicians’ Route links 18 countries with a common heritage. With the aim of revitalising this itinerary as a tourism route, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ministry of Tourism of Lebanon and Council of Europe launched the Phoenicians’ Route Cultural Tourism Programme, which integrates public and private sector, at World Travel Market in London.
During the event, participants discussed the development and marketing of three pilot cultural tourism itineraries along the Phoenicians’ Route. The itineraries will connect three continents, 18 countries and more than 80 towns. They cover the various periods of Phoenician heritage.
“Nothing is better for bringing understanding to the region than having people travel this route. The capacity of tourism to link different cultures, traditions and faiths is immense, particularly in the Mediterranean, one of the most diverse areas of the world,” said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO.
“The Phoenicians’ heritage is still largely unknown. We trust this project will bring this heritage to life and show us how much we all have in common. This is especially important in these times that are in such need of dialogue among civilisations,” said Michel Pharaon, Minister of Tourism of Lebanon.
“This is a great opportunity to provide Europe with a tool to enhance its tourism offer and strengthen ties among countries and people,” said Stefano Dominioni, executive secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement for Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes.
Issues of transport, connectivity, visa facilitation, branding and product development of this new route were discussed with tour operators present at the event. The Phoenicians’ Route is the network of the nautical trade courses that Phoenicians used since the 12th century BC in the Mediterranean Sea. The potential of the Phoenicians’ Route to provide economic opportunities, intercultural exchange and cultural revival has been recognised by the Council of Europe.
