Protection, revitalization and use of heritage through cultural route formation system: Evaluation of the Roman Emperor's Path master plan

Abstract

'Cultural routes' are a term recently used in scientific literature to define cultural tourism offer based on a set of mutually connected tourist attractions and destinations. The way of travel within a cultural route usually consists of roads with significant scenic, cultural, historical, geological or natural values, and incorporates the sightseeing and interpretation of sites located within that route. Cultural routes can become tourist destinations because of their connections to renowned places, events and personalities. The formation of cultural routes as tourist products is considered to be a new way of protection, revitalization, use and presentation of cultural heritage. However, the concept of cultural routes as practiced in the world and in Europe is just beginning to be used in Serbia. This study presents the basic principles of forming cultural routes, gives an insight into existing initiatives and projects of cultural route development in Serbia, with a special focus to the national master plan 'Roman Emperors' Paths in Serbia' and its critical evaluation.