The Kick of meeting of the WaterTour project was organised by Directorate of Aukštaitija Protected Areas on 9-10th of May 2024 in Biržai, Lithuania.
All project partners and representative of lead partner of the project WaterWays gathered to discuss the main project objectives, implementation of activities, possible development of joint water tourism route and involvement of local tourism service providers, entrepreneurs and communities.
The project “WaterTour” aims to develop the joint water tourism route by revealing the potential of rivers and lakes in Aukštaitija and Zemgale regions.
By fostering the principles of sustainable water tourism project partners will create a comprehensive tourist route that includes not only the infrastructure needed for tourism, but also attractions, services needed by travellers, and tourist information centers. Responding to the evolving post-pandemic demand for outdoor travel and customized routes, project partners will improve 12 water tourism locations, such as piers, recreational areas, mobile river docks, cable ferry. Informative signs will help tourists safely navigate 12 water areas in the rivers of Daugava, Mēmele (Nemunėlis), Dienvidsusēja, Šventoji and lake Aisetas, as well as in Zemgale region (Latvia), Aukštaitija region (Lithuania), including Labanoras, Gražute, Anykščiai regional parks and Biržai district.
To involve more interested parties in the preparation of the tourism route, meetings with partners and tourism service providers, an international conference will be organized. Public will be involved through public events, boating marathon, kayaking tours and other events.
The creation of a water route and associated information materials and maps are likely to attract more visitors to the border region, while creating opportunities for local communities, businesses, and tourism providers.
