is-sticky
Regional development in Romania:
the role of route networks
What happens when you bring together old stories, hospitality and good route networks? An entire region becomes more attractive to visitors. Our director, Han van den Heuvel, visited north-eastern Romania for the second time last week. He was there to visit the regional organisation ADR Nord-Est. Han explained how we devise and maintain route networks in the Netherlands. He also brought some great ideas back home with him.
At Centrϕide, we take care of everything for local authorities from A to Z. We help local councils and provincial authorities throughout the Netherlands to devise, create, manage and enhance the experience of route networks. But the same questions about tourism and route networks arise abroad too. By sharing knowledge with other countries, we in turn gain new and clever ideas for our own projects.
Our ideas at the Discover North-East Tourism Gala
Last week, Han gave a presentation at the Discover North-East Tourism Gala in the city of Vaslui. He explained how to turn separate paths into a smart network. The audience included local councillors, mayors and people working in tourism. Han demonstrated, on behalf of Centrϕide, how good route networks attract more visitors and boost the local economy.
Great interest in our 7 steps
The audience was very enthusiastic. Han explained our 7 steps. This is our simple plan for effectively linking nature, historic buildings and routes. It wasn’t just people from the region itself who had questions. Visitors from other towns and even from neighbouring Ukraine wanted to know more. After all, everyone is looking for good ways to make their region more attractive.
Our seven steps
- Take a look at the neighbourhood and its beautiful spots
- Devise a clever route network (like a spider’s web)
- Make use of key locations (history and nature)
- Add themes (such as stories)
- Connect key routes with local paths
- Create clear route signs and information
- Build handy starting points with information
Interview for a national magazine
The visit made quite an impression. Han gave a lengthy interview to a well-known national magazine in Romania. In it, he explained how important it is for organisations to work together effectively.
He also explained the importance of keeping digital maps up to date. If the route network on the ground, the signposts and the information online are all accurate, visitors will be keen to return. This helps to boost local nature and businesses.
Out and about: authentic and unique experiences
After the meeting, the guests were invited to join inspiring day trips. They visited ancient wooden monasteries, beautiful vineyards in Avereşti and a remarkable monument near Podul Înalt.
Enjoying local customs
It was just like an episode of a great travel programme on television. The guests were introduced to delicious local food, traditional music, dance and ancient religious customs.
“A lovely day out isn’t about man-made attractions. It’s about discovering a place’s true story. If you combine that with a clear route network, you have a fantastic region for visitors.”
What can we learn from this in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, we often take a very technical view of routes. We’re quick to talk about signposts, apps and digital maps. But the trip to Romania shows that an area’s own story is what matters most. The route networks are a means to an end; nature, history and local businesses are what make the day even more special.
Our A-to-Z approach at Centroide
Whether we’re helping a local authority with new footpaths or improving digital maps for a county, at Centroide we manage routes from A to Z. We ensure that our advice, strategy and coordination, our Technical Service for maintenance, smart geo-information, clear route signage and unique experiences all work together seamlessly.
Would you like better route networks in your region?
Would you like to know how your local authority or county council can make smart use of route networks to boost tourism and create an attractive living environment? Please feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to brainstorm with you!
