DanubeCrafts – Traditional Crafts Route for Sustainable Cultural Tourism Development
Project Focus
The DanubeCrafts project (Interreg Danube) focuses on the sustainable revitalization of traditional crafts in the Danube region. It achieves this by developing the Traditional Crafts Route (TCR), which links local communities and promotes economic growth through thematic tourism. Key activities include establishing Crafts and Tourism Centres, creating a digital platform, and seeking European Cultural Route certification for the TCR.
Partnership
- National University of Science & Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Vodilni partner
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vratsa (CCI-Vratsa),
- Vukovar-Srijem County (VSC),
- Pannon Business Network Association (PBN),
- National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism (INCDT),
- Romanian Association for Technology Transfer and Innovation (ARoTT),
- Steinbeis 2i GmbH (SEZ),
- Department for Development and International Projects of Zenica-Doboj Canton (DDIP ZDC),
- Economica GmbH (Economica),
- School of Advanced Social Studies in Nova Gorica (SASS),
- Regional Agency for Socio – Economic Development – Banat Ltd (RDA Banat),
- Tourist board of Međimurje county (TZMZ),
- South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (STRIA),
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU)
- South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovation (JAIP),
- Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije (RDA BKP),
- “Ion Creanga” Pedagogical State University from Chisinau (UPSC),
- PONG.Li Studios GmbH (PONG.Li)
Associated partners
- Ministerul Dezvoltarii, Lucrarilor Publice si Administratiei (RO),
- Northwest Society of Masters of Old Crafts (BG),
- Agencija za razvoj Vukovarsko- srijemske županije (HR),
- Sárvár Tourist & TDM Nonprofit Kft. (HU),
- DANUrB Nemzetközi Egyesület Asociația Grupului de Acțiune Local “Țara Zimbrilor” (RO),
- Orchestra Filarmonica Oltenia (RO)
Project description
The DanubeCrafts project is focused on preserving, promoting, and sustainably revitalising traditional crafts across the Danube Region by integrating them into thematic tourism. Through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach, the project aims to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and support entrepreneurship—especially among vulnerable groups and young people in rural and remote communities. Central to the initiative is the development of a Traditional Crafts Route (TCR), connecting local communities through culturally rich itineraries that showcase traditional crafts, heritage sites, and regional identities. These routes are supported by strategic planning, regional action plans, and pilot activities such as craft workshops, live demonstrations, and participation in exhibitions.
To strengthen the crafts sector and its visibility, the project will establish specialised Crafts and Thematic Tourism Centres offering training, business support, and promotional events. The InnoCraft enterprise will generate innovative ideas and integrated tourism-craft services, while the CraftBiz Impact Kit will provide tools for business development and impact analysis. Digital tools, including a user-friendly platform and a smartphone app featuring pilot itineraries, will enhance accessibility and engagement. The project also aims to position the Traditional Crafts Route for European cultural route certification, reinforcing the Danube Region’s cultural identity. By combining cultural preservation with sustainable tourism, DanubeCrafts seeks to unlock the untapped potential of traditional craftsmanship as a driver of inclusive, regional development.
Project main aim
The main objective is to preserve, promote, and sustainably enhance traditional crafts along the Traditional Crafts Route, integrating them into the creation of innovative services and products through thematic tourism. This endeavour aims to foster economic growth and sustainable development within local communities while championing the preservation and celebration of the craft traditions and artisanal practices found throughout the Danube Region, many of which are at risk of disappearing.