On 17 February, the project Coordinator European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (AEVF) participated in BIT Tourism Fair in Milan, one of the leading international event that brings together industry professionals, tourism operators, institutions, and stakeholders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
During the fair, AEVF’s Director Luca Bruschi showcased the HIKE4ALL project, highlighting its focus on inclusive and accessible hiking experiences for all individuals, regardless of ability. The project promotes slow tourism along Europe’s cultural routes, including the Via Francigena, and is specifically designed to make hiking and outdoor activities accessible to people with physical, sensory, and motor disabilities. HIKE4ALL aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable tourism that is both socially inclusive and environmentally conscious.
In particular, Piedmont Region will take the spotlight as the first location to host a series of events for the HIKE4ALL project. The events, taking place in Ivrea and Bollengo on 17 and 18 April 2026, will feature an exciting mix of workshops, inclusive hiking activities, and community engagement sessions focused on accessibility along the Via Francigena. This region, known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage, is the perfect setting to launch these impactful events aimed at making tourism more accessible for all. The workshop will serve as a space for discussion and reflection on key topics, including accessibility in tourism and inclusive travel, social innovation and how it can enhance the experience of travelers with disabilities, best practices for creating accessible trails and spaces along cultural routes.
The HIKE4ALL project, alongside these events in Piedmont, reinforces the commitment of AEVF and its partners to fostering a new model of tourism that is more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. The goal is to ensure that the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most iconic cultural routes, is accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities, creating new opportunities for travelers, communities, and local economies alike.
[Credits: AEVF]