DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL ROUTES OF EUROPE: EXPERIENCE FOR UKRAINE

The article is devoted to the aspects of the current cultural policy of the EU, which are related to the development of cultural tourism, which in the future can be used in Ukraine. It was found that the implementation of the «Cultural Routes» program from the Council of Europe is of great importance for the growth of tourists' interest in historical and cultural heritage. In today's conditions, the promotion of intercultural dialogue and cultural cooperation is of key importance in the formation of a harmonious society based on mutual respect and understanding. Currently, «Cultural Routes» is a developed network of tourist routes. The Extended Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe provides for the development, certification and promotion of the current 47 certified cultural routes of the Council of Europe and helps to spread the common values of the European Union to promote transnational cultural cooperation and preserve the European identity. Popularization of cultural heritage and a responsible approach to sustainable tourism are among the main priorities of the «Cultural Routes» program. The article provides an overview of international coordination activities highlighting the results of the work of the European Institute of Cultural Routes regarding the development of certification cycles, the implementation of the visibility strategy of cultural routes, the organization of specialized consultation meetings, educational seminars and participation in certification ceremonies, conferences. Thanks to well-organized information support during travel, cultural routes represent the heritage of different European countries and demonstrate its importance for the common European history, heritage and identity. Currently, the «Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe» program has become a prestigious mark of quality, recognized throughout Europe and beyond. Its successful methodology and certification procedure guarantee excellence, innovation and high quality standards of tourist services. There are currently 47 certified «Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe» covering a wide range of topics related to art, architecture, religious heritage, outstanding European figures of art, music and literature and scientific heritage. Cultural routes have now evolved into growing European transnational networks with more than 3,500 institutional members, crossing 46 Council of Europe member states and beyond, ensuring synergy between national, regional and local authorities and their stakeholders, promoting sustainable cultural tourism.