Our goal
This project group wants to bring more people onto Europe’s trails. We develop concepts that help trail organizations reach more people, communicate directly with trail users and gain the public awareness their work deserves.
Why this matters
Trails are the most important infrastructure for tourism and local recreation, but they are rarely presented that way. Tourism marketing usually focuses on hotels, attractions and events, while the trails that connect them stay in the background. Many trail organizations have small teams and almost no budget for communication. Their work becomes visible only when something goes wrong.
Direct contact with trail users is a chance for trail organizations. Users who feel connected to a trail report damage, respect the rules and recommend the trail to others.
Why now
Europe is debating how to deal with overcrowded destinations and how to spread visitors more evenly. Trails can guide people to less-known regions and to quieter times of the year, but only if people know about them. At the same time, users increasingly find their routes through apps, platforms, social media and AI assistants. Trail organizations that are not present in these channels lose influence over how their trails are used.
Goals of the Project Group
- Develop concepts for how trail organizations can achieve greater reach and better public awareness.
- Raise awareness among all tourism stakeholders that trails are the most important infrastructure for tourism and local recreation.
- Develop concepts for direct communication with trail users via online platforms, apps and social media.
- Build a community that gives active feedback on the condition of the trails and promotes trail experiences.
Granted Funding Projects
Submitted Funding Projects, pending approval
Funding Ideas
Funding Project
FUNDTRAILS – Capacity Building for Sustainable Trail Funding in Europe
Funding source: Erasmus+
Current consortium partner: Outdooractive / European Trails, Germany
Rejected Projects
Do you want to join the Project Group?
Just fill the form and we will get in touch with you!
Project Ideas
Do you have a trail project idea?
Fill in the project outline and find like-minded project partners!