The final quarter of 2025 was a particularly important period for the DETOUR project, closing the year with strong visibility and recognition across multiple international events and network-wide moments. Throughout these meetings, DETOUR was repeatedly presented as a concrete example of how Cultural Routes can support SMEs through training, mentoring and targeted opportunities—fully aligned with the project’s core mission.

As part of this end-of-year momentum, DETOUR was presented at the international seminar “Malta in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” (Birgu, Malta, 29–30 October 2025). On this occasion, Luca Faravelli (AEVF Projects manager) highlighted DETOUR as a strategic European project supporting tourism SMEs along walking routes including the Via Francigena, Sultans trail, Lykian way and the mountain routes in Greece. The seminar offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and share good practices developed within the Cultural Routes ecosystems on the European level.

On 12 December 2025, DETOUR was presented by AEVF’ at the conference “Pavia Crossroads of Europe 2025” as a best practice linked to emerging opportunities for territories and local businesses, reinforcing the project’s role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development along Cultural Routes.

DETOUR was also mentioned during the presentation of a publication created by students from the Scuola Holden (Turin, Italy), who wrote original “stories on the move” inspired by walking experiences—further confirming the growing interest in routes, communities and the economic and cultural value they generate.

Finally, on 17 December 2025, DETOUR was presented to over 200 international members of the Via Francigena network during a webinar focused on AEVF’s new brand identity and the opportunities linked to the European projects —ensuring that partners and stakeholders across the route are aligned and ready to engage.

2025 has been a pivotal year for DETOUR—and the path continues. Thanks to the strength of the network and the growing international attention around walking routes and SMEs, 2026 will be even richer in activities and opportunities, with the project advancing into its next phase and expanding its impact for businesses and communities across participating territories.