From 9–12 October 2025, DETOUR participated in the 4th European Trails and Paths Conference), jointly organised by the European Hikers Association (ERA), the European Mountaineers Association (EUMA) and the Italian Mountaineers Association (CAI). The event gathered experts, researchers, policymakers and organisations from across Europe to discuss “Digitalisation for Hiking and Mountain Trails.”

Building on previous work on sustainability, the conference explored how digital tools, common data standards and innovation can support sustainable trail management, safety and community involvement. Presentations from 15 countries highlighted diverse national approaches, yet underlined a shared trend: OpenStreetMap is increasingly becoming the common reference system for Europe’s digital trail infrastructure.

Examples included:

• National mapping systems and regulated trail networks (Hungary, Balkans)
• Large-scale user platforms (e.g., MaRando in France)
• Integrated public systems (INFOMONT in Italy, PlanGIS in Slovenia)
• Safety and monitoring tools (SafeTrails in Croatia, Alpswatch beta platform)
  Representing DETOUR, Kate Clow (from Culture Routes Society, Türkiye) presented the project’s work on connecting local service providers, walking communities and standardised trail data along the Lycian Way, showing how digitalisation can support rural economies and the preservation of local heritage. A common message emerged: digitalisation must strengthen, not replace, human engagement, empowering volunteers, hikers and local communities while protecting cultural and natural landscapes.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the EUMA–ERA Charter on European Hiking and Mountain Trails, recognising trails as essential infrastructure for health, culture, climate resilience and rural revitalisation, and calling for EU-level support for trail maintenance and digital interoperability.
DETOUR’s vision aligns closely with these principles, offering a model for smart, connected and community-based tourism that can be replicated across European rural and mountain regions.