The European Union continues to prioritise empowering young people and fostering sustainable development. In line with this commitment, the “ECOROUTES” project (Empowering Youth as Promoters and Guardians of European Natural and Cultural Heritage) has been launched to promote youth employability and preserve Europe’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

This initiative, which will run from March 2023 to July 2025, aims to equip youth workers, trainers, and young people in six European countries—France, Italy, Slovenia, Cyprus, Greece, and Austria—with the tools and knowledge needed to create sustainable tourism activities and transform into guardians of heritage.

ECOROUTES seeks to address pressing challenges such as high youth unemployment, limited awareness of heritage preservation, and the need for sustainable tourism solutions. The project aims to empower young people to actively contribute to the tourism sector while ensuring they become advocates for preserving cultural and natural heritage at local and European levels.

Over 28 months, the ECOROUTES project will equip youth with skills to create innovative tourism activities by developing an educational kit and training 25 youth workers to engage young people in heritage-based initiatives. The project will reach over 500 youths through workshops in six countries, offering hands-on experience in sustainable tourism. Additionally, ECOROUTES will launch an online campaign to raise awareness of heritage preservation and youth employment opportunities in tourism, targeting 100,000 individuals across Europe. The project will culminate in a European Heritage Summit, bringing together 150 young leaders and tourism experts to showcase youth-driven solutions for sustainable tourism, with closing events in each partner country’s region.

ECOROUTES seeks to establish a lasting legacy by empowering young people to lead the tourism sector. By preserving Europe’s heritage for generations, we can enhance youth employment, protect our cultural and natural resources, and, through collaboration, build a more sustainable Europe.