"Walk of Peace" Receives Prestigious “Connecting Cultures” Award at CMT Fair in Stuttgart
24. 1. 2025
The hiking trail Walk of Peace, which runs from the Alps, through the Soča Valley, Brda, the Goriška region to the Adriatic Sea, has been awarded the internationally recognized “Connecting Cultures” award, presented by the Corps Touristique association in collaboration with the German professional magazine fvw/TravelTalk and the CMT Stuttgart fair, one of the largest tourism fairs in central Europe.
The award ceremony took place at the CMT fair, where the award was received on behalf of the Walk of Peace Foundation by the head of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) representation in Germany, Rebeka Kumer Bizjak, and the head of public relations at Promo Turismo Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), Sandra Battigaglia. The event was attended by numerous representatives of international media, political representatives, tourism organizations, and partners who recognized the importance of the Walk of Peace as a symbol of sustainability, heritage, and cultural connection. The award was also co-presented by the German State Secretary of the Federal Association for Tourism Economy, Sven Liebert, and the representative of the Baden-Württemberg government, Manuel Hagel.
The Walk of Peace connects significant heritage sites of the First World War from the Alps to the Adriatic, including the former Soča front. It is an exceptional hiking experience that emphasizes the values of peace, understanding, and intercultural dialogue. This unique tourist offer was highlighted at the award ceremony as an example of good practice in sustainable and responsible tourism, preserving historical memory while encouraging the connection of international visitors who visit this part of Europe.
Maša Klavora from the Walk of Peace Foundation added: “This award is primarily a recognition of the evidently good long-term work and cooperation of many individuals and organizations from Slovenia and Italy in various fields (research, preservation, education, promotion, management, sustainable development). The key to this is that partners believe in a common mission and vision, so we carry out this work very dedicatedly, heartily, and sincerely. The idea of the Walk of Peace is slowly spreading to other areas of the First World War around the world and, unfortunately, due to the current world situation, it is very relevant and necessary. Therefore, the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic is not just a 500 km long cross-border cultural-hiking trail, but also an idea of how people on borders, even those marked by war, cooperate in various activities of culture, tourism, research, and development.”
The “Connecting Cultures” award was presented for the third time this year and is intended for destinations or projects that stand out with innovative and sustainable approaches to connecting cultures. In addition to Slovenia and Italy, awards were also given to projects from Ireland and Bulgaria, highlighting the global importance of such initiatives.
The Slovenian Tourist Board sincerely thanks the Walk of Peace Foundation and the local tourist organization Promo Turismo FVG for their exceptional cooperation and heartfelt work on this project, which undoubtedly strengthens Slovenia’s position as a destination where natural beauty and cultural heritage tell a unique story. The “Connecting Cultures” award is also an inspiration for further projects that will enhance Slovenia’s international recognition and promote sustainable tourism.
The STO, with its representation in Germany, is committed to further promoting the Walk of Peace as a symbolic connection between the past and the future and as a unique experience for all who appreciate the values of peace, respect, and coexistence.
Report by the largest German professional magazine fvw/Travel Talk >
Source: Slovenian Tourist Board