Source: Russia Beyond the Headlines
June 11, 2016
Russia is planning to create a European pilgrimage route jointly with Serbia and Greece, Russian Deputy Culture Minister Alla Manilova said.
"I have discussed this matter with the Greek tourism minister, she is all for it with both hands. I think the Serbian reaction will also be positive. Bulgaria is very keen but we have yet to discuss with them the practical side of the matter, though this country's interest is colossal," Manilova told reporters on June 10.
The project will be implemented as part of cooperation with the Council of Europe which allocates grants for the development and promotion of European cultural routes and assigns them a certified status, which raises interest in such routes, the deputy minister added.
In the future, Russia and its European partners could develop a historical and cultural travel itinerary inspired by the work of Peter the Great. The project could be joined by Austria, France and possibly Holland.
"This year is the year of cultural tourism between Russia and France, during which we are going to develop a route with the French. In 2017, Russia and Austria will hold a conference in Vienna as part of their cultural tourism year, precisely on the subject of creating a route. We could offer to the Council of Europe a three-way Peter's route. The route should have at least three participating countries," the Russian deputy culture minister said.