Via Transilvanica route to drive rural economic growth in Romania

The Via Transilvanica hiking route is being positioned as a catalyst for economic revitalization in rural Romanian communities. Spanning approximately 1,400 to 1,600 kilometers across eight cultural-historical regions, the trail aims to create a decentralized entrepreneurial ecosystem rather than focusing on large-scale tourism complexes.

Inspired by the Camino de Santiago model in Spain, the project seeks to generate demand for local services such as accommodation, traditional gastronomy, transport, and local products. This approach is designed to provide sustainable income for households and small businesses, helping to stabilize rural populations.

To support this transition, the Social Enterprise Accelerator on Via Transilvanica was launched. This program, a partnership involving ADV România, Asociația Tășuleasa Social, Social Finance Association, and WISE Travel, has seen significant interest. Out of 283 initial applications, 72 participants entered the training phase, with many currently developing and submitting formal business plans.