Through the ROUTES project, we aimed to increase the visibility and value of overlooked cultural and natural heritage in mountain areas of Spain, Italy, and Latvia, promoting a sustainable and community-based tourism model. Our objective was to develop and test a shared methodology to identify, document, and interpret hidden heritage (WACH) as a basis for new cultural routes and responsible travel experiences. We sought to empower local communities to take an active role in valorizing their territory, fostering pride and generating opportunities for small-scale, sustainable growth. Another goal was to strengthen cooperation among partners by exchanging knowledge and good practices to create a replicable European model. We aimed to show that tourism rooted in local identity and inclusive participation can support long-term revitalization. The project also sought to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the value of intangible heritage, crafts, and local customs. By using digital tools, storytelling, and innovative communication, ROUTES worked to make heritage more accessible and ensure these assets are appreciated, protected, and integrated into regional cultural and economic life.
We applied to the ROUTES project to address shared challenges in rural and mountain areas of Spain, Italy, and Latvia: progressive depopulation, the decline of traditional economies, and the undervaluation of cultural and natural heritage. These territories hold a rich yet often hidden artistic, architectural, and intangible legacy that remains disconnected from current tourism dynamics. ROUTES offered the chance to design and test sustainable tourism models that could revitalize communities while preserving their authenticity. Our main need was to strengthen local identity and territorial capacity through community participation, responsible tourism, and the digital valorization of lesser-known assets. By joining this transnational partnership, we aimed to exchange good practices, develop replicable tools for mapping and storytelling, and foster cooperation among local authorities, cultural organizations, and citizens to ensure long-term sustainable development. We also sought to raise awareness among visitors and residents, promote intergenerational dialogue, and encourage innovative entrepreneurship linked to culture, nature, and creativity.