Long distance cross-border hiking trail “The Forest Trail”.

Forest Trail, the project’s main result, links to the program indicator “More sustainable joint natural and cultural heritage based tourist attractions”. While it represents one single attraction, the impact in the program territory is still wide due to geographical coverage. The Forest Trail core route (ca 1050km in total for Latvia/Estonia) was set during the project preparation phase with contributions from all partners. The route is put on the map, and it will be fine-tuned during the project by means of hiking inspection and local planning. The Forest Trail route as defined so far is found here:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1XtTgSeY2Zw0EJDbd5f19h4IC4ewkkdfQ&ll=57.49817477661168%2C25.090359056232614&z=8
The Forest Trail as a tourism product represents the following:
- the hiking route marked and visible in nature thanks to route marking, direction signs to orientate tourists, information stands to explain forest values and processes. The route will use the existing forest roads and paths, as well as minor country roads and village roads, where necessary, to reach overnight, food, transport and other services. Marking and signposting together with maps and mobile version of the Forest Trail will allow tourists to orientate en route;
- availability of overnight, food, transport and other services en route will allow to experience the Forest Trail in comfort and safety. The route will be divided in average 20km walking distances per day (in total more than 50 days), with indicated start and end points and services available;
- useful, practical route information available printed and online for advance planning and use during hiking.
Promotion and marketing activities will reach: 1) specialized tourist profiles – long distance hikers and their associations, 2) general interest tourists; 3) specialized tour operators and travel agents.