Via Transilvanica Secures Silver At Europe Responsible Tourism Awards For Forging Peace And Inclusion Across Romania

Published on October 17, 2025

News of significant international recognition was recently confirmed, drawing attention to a celebrated initiative in southeastern Europe. A prestigious silver award was secured by Via Transilvanica, the expansive long-distance trail traversing the cultural, historical, and natural landscapes of Romania. This high honor was conferred within the highly competitive Peace, understanding and inclusion category at the 2025 Europe Responsible Tourism Awards. The announcement of this remarkable achievement was subsequently shared with the public via the official Via Transilvanica Facebook page, bringing widespread acknowledgment to the dedication involved in the project’s development and stewardship.

This esteemed awards program is orchestrated by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global (ICRT Global), an organization fundamentally dedicated to fostering sustainable and ethical practices across the global tourism sector. The formal presentation of the awards was conducted at the Press Club Brussels Europe, a venue that underscored the pan-European significance of the recognized endeavors. Through this commendation, the trail’s profound impact on local communities and its success in promoting human connection have been officially validated on a continental scale. The commitment to responsible travel is being increasingly prioritized in the modern world, and the recognition received by the trail is understood to be a major step forward for Romania’s visibility in this vital area. A profound sense of joy was expressed by the Romanian team upon receiving the accolade, with the sentiment conveyed that the recognition was not solely for the organizational body but for all the people of the trail, without whom the project could not have been established. This collaborative spirit, rooted in empathy and mutual support, is precisely the kind of outcome that the award category seeks to elevate.

A Testament to Connectedness and Empathy

The Peace, understanding and inclusion category, in which the silver award was attained, is specifically designed to celebrate initiatives that serve as genuine catalysts for constructive change. These projects are judged on their ability to utilize the sphere of tourism for the purpose of cultivating a world characterized by greater connection, understanding, and inclusivity. Detailed attention was paid by the jury to whether a project was effective in encouraging meaningful cultural dialogue and promoting mutual understanding among diverse populations. Furthermore, efforts were sought out that demonstrably break down social and cultural barriers through the deliberate practice of responsible tourism.

The criteria upon which the judging process was based were rigorous and comprehensive. Initiatives were required to demonstrate active support for marginalized or conflict-affected communities, utilizing the economic and social mechanisms of tourism to provide sustainable benefits. Moreover, a fundamental requirement was the promotion of accessibility and inclusion for all individuals, ensuring that the experience of the trail is available to the widest possible demographic. The selection of Via Transilvanica is a clear indication that the trail’s operation and philosophy are recognized as being in full alignment with these profound and essential values. The trail is designed not merely as a physical route but as a corridor for human interaction, where the rich tapestry of Romanian heritage is encountered firsthand by travelers from across the globe. Along its course, opportunities for genuine exchange and mutual respect are facilitated daily, contributing significantly to a larger global narrative of peace. It is through these sustained, direct encounters that preconceived notions are challenged and bridges of understanding are established between the traveler and the host communities. The entire endeavor is positioned as a powerful, non-political instrument for empathy, with every step taken along the trail representing a step towards a more interconnected Europe. A legacy of social responsibility is thus being actively established, ensuring that the act of travel itself becomes a force for societal good rather than merely a recreational pursuit.

The Foundation of a National Treasure

The physical manifestation of Via Transilvanica is recognized as one of Romania’s most acclaimed national endeavors, a distinction further solidified by its recent European success. The long-distance trail, whose route strategically traverses the country’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes, offers a unique opportunity for both international visitors and local residents to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of the region. The trail’s development was an ambitious undertaking, representing a colossal effort in planning, mapping, and infrastructure development. After years of meticulous work and dedicated fundraising, the trail was officially inaugurated in 2022. Since that time, the path has rapidly evolved into a landmark of European travel, drawing comparisons to other major continental hiking routes while simultaneously maintaining its uniquely Romanian identity.

Cultivating Responsible Journeys

This commendation at the 2025 Europe Responsible Tourism Awards for the category of Peace, understanding and inclusion serves to significantly solidify Via Transilvanica’s standing within the global movement dedicated to sustainable and responsible tourism. The very act of trekking or biking the path is positioned as a conscious choice—an engagement with a form of tourism that prioritizes ethical consumption, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship above sheer volume or commercial gain. Further international visibility is expected to be gained for Romania as a result of this prestigious acknowledgment, attracting travelers who actively seek out experiences that align with their own values of sustainability and ethical travel.