MileSTONES III constitutes the third integral part of the partners, in their joint efforts for the preservation and valorisation of cultural heritage as a stepping stone to tourism development, expanded in an area-wide level. Following the successful precedent of the two previous projects, MileSTONES III is planned to reach a whole new level: to expand the cross-border cultural assets and establish a strong alliance between local stakeholders. The cross-border regions of Vlore and Epirus face difficulties to link their cultural assets with tourism development, in the benefit of local and regional sustainable economic growth. The majority of the visitors view the CB cultural and natural sights as “day visitor attractions”, falsely considering them as a stopover rather than an integrated destination. However, the CB cultural assets combined, can actually create an integrated tourist destination, a path in history ΚΑΙamp; culture. The project shall accelerate the process of tourism development and build the capacity of tourist actors of the area to present their unique and common cultural assets and reveal journeys in history, nature and culture. ΕΝΤΥΠΟ ΑΙΤΗΣΗΣ Σελίδα 2 από 20 The Municipalities of Dodoni, Finiq and Preveza, as well as the Regional Directorate of National Culture of Vlore have developed an advanced and stable cooperation, as well as a fruitful collaboration with local key-stakeholders. In the framework of this successful partnership, the main project activities include: • Establishment of folklore and experiential museums near Dodoni and Livadhe through the Collection, protection and promotion of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of cross-border significance in a single location. • Restoration activities at the Castle, Shrine and Masjid of Kanina to preserve the local culture and make it safer for visitors.? • Organisation of cross-border area-wide cultural festivals, such as “Festival of Dodoni” and “Finikeia”, for the revitalization of cultural heritage. • Capacity-building activities, in the form of trainings and studies to promote the cultural route of Epirus and its extension in Vlore, beyond the Albanian borders.
