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Datenbank der Projekte zur ländlichen Entwicklung

Rural Heritage Trail (DigiRoute42)

Summary

An innovative LEADER project promoting GPS-guided rural heritage trails with six interactive animated walks in the Flemish Ardennes developed for downloading to a hiker's Smartphone or PC.

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Background

Many people go for a walk to escape the modern world, yet still take their mobile phones - indeed, the latest generation of mobile devices can be very useful as travel guides for hikers. Six local libraries in Flanders (Oosterzele, Herzele, Lierde, Sint-Lievens-Houtem, Zottegem and Geraardsbe) have taken this idea and established a partnership to foster the ‘Route 42’ concept whereby along local hiking trails the walk is enlivened with sounds, images/videos and local tourist information.

Objective

This project aims to provide an innovative solution for guiding hikers. Users can view their desired itinerary online via an internet connection, which is standard on any smart phone or download the data via an internet connection on a PC and then transfer it to their smart phone. It is also possible to take free of charge a pre-loaded phone from a local tourist agency.

Main activities

A total of six animated hikes in the Flemish Ardennes have been developed. Digital itineraries on offer to hikers include: a mysterious disappearance story in Sint-Maria-Lierde by crime writer Bavo D’Hooge; an historical tour of Sint-Lievens-Esse; an ‘active eco-hike’ in Zonnegem, and; an ‘Experience the silence’ walk in Waarbeke.

Results & Benefits

This project's innovation lies in utilising new media to develop local cultural and heritage identities within the hiking sector. For each walk the 'Route 42' partnership provides a number of devices free of charge (subject to a deposit) on which a “dummy-proof” version of the walk is installed. These devices will allow only the DigiRoutes to be followed with all other functionality removed to prevent improper use.

Lessons learnt

Local tourism agencies were observed to be lagging behind in the implementation of new technologies and media to support their services. This project demonstrates that other local bodies (e.g. the libraries) can co-opearte and get involved with promoting new ideas for stimulating tourism, recreation and the enjoyment of local heritage.

Project location and other information

Vlaamse Ardennen (Oost-Vlaanderen), Flanders, Belgium

Region

Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen

RDP Territory

Flanders

Total project cost (€)

85 416

Contact name

Koen De Keukeleire

Languages for contact

English, Dutch

At a glance

Country

Belgium

Final beneficiary type

Other

Budget range

€20 000 - €99 999

Start date:

01/01/2009

End Date:

31/12/2010

Theme / Measure:

• Implementing the LEADER Approach
• Implementing local development strategies
• 413. Quality of life/diversification

Keywords:

Rural tourism, Internet, Leader, Local Action Group, Telecommunications

Last update

12/02/2012