The Smuggling Tour Named Finalist at the ECTN Awards 2026
The Smuggling Tour (ŠVERC TURA), an exciting cross-border tourism experience developed by the Nova Gorica Tourism Board and Vipava Valley, has been shortlisted for the prestigious European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) Awards 2026, one of Europe's leading recognitions for excellence in cultural tourism.
Selected from 72 entries representing 23 countries, The Smuggling Tour is among just three finalists in the category Transnational Thematic Tourism Products Involving Culture and Heritage. It competes alongside Spain's Dual Pilgrim – Way of St. James and Kumano Kodo (Japan) and the European Cemeteries Route – Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe*.
Set along the former border between Slovenia and Italy, The Smuggling Tour brings to life the stories of everyday life divided by the Iron Curtain. Blending storytelling, role play and authentic locations, participants step into the world of border crossings, customs officers, smugglers and local residents, discovering how the once-divided cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia shaped the lives of generations.
The nomination recognises the tour's innovative approach to interpreting shared cross-border heritage and demonstrates how local stories can become compelling cultural tourism experiences with international appeal. It also highlights the growing importance of collaborative tourism products that connect destinations through a shared history and cultural identity.
The winners of the ECTN Awards 2026 will be announced on 24 September 2026 during the 19th European Cultural Tourism Conference on the Greek island of Skiathos.
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