Event Report - CHARTS project · Report on the Workshop Workshop I “Railway Heritage” on 10 June 2013 in South Pelion Municipality, Greece by CHARTS MCU, June 2013 1 Project CHARTS

www.charts-interreg4c.eu

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Report on the Workshop Workshop I “Railway Heritage” on 10 June 2013 in South Pelion Municipality, Greece by CHARTS MCU, June 2013

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Project CHARTS “Culture and Heritage Added value to Regional policies for

Tourism Sustainability”

Workshop I: Railway Heritage

Event Report

10 June 2013 South Pelion Municipality, Greece

June 2013

http://www.charts-interreg4c.eu/



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Table of contents

1. Introductions..................................................................................................................3

2. Summary of Thematic Workshop ................................................................................. 4

Session 1: Pelion Heritage Railway Study trip .......................................................................... 4

Session 2: Railway Heritage Preservation and Promotion ........................................................ 4

3. Contacts ...................................................................................................................... 8

Annex I Workshop programme ............................................................................................. 9

Annex II List of Participants ............................................................................................... 11




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1. INTRODUCTION

Thematic workshop on good practice related to ‘railway heritage preservation and promotion’,

with study visits, took place on 10 June 2013 in Milies, South Pelion Municipality, Greece, organised in the frame of the INTERREG IVC

project CHARTS.

It was the first time when Lead Partner of CHARTS project Municipality of South Pelion organised and hosted thematic workshops, as extraordinary events

for CHARTS project implementation, in order to exchange experience on these topics of good practices in cultural tourism particularly for tourism destinations among project

partners. These topics were in addition to those originally planned.

These extraordinary events have been held for experience exchange on additional good practice topics considered important for potential transfer between partners. ‘Railway heritage’ preservation has been considered as a specialized form of cultural and

industrial heritage with strong European significance for sustainable tourism development.

The topic of the Thematic Workshop was „Railway Heritage Preservation and Promotion for Cultural and Special Interest Tourism”. This Workshop highlighted issues on railway

heritage preservation and promotion, industrial heritage of steam railway promotion, twinning arrangements between legendary heritage railways and promotion on ‘Riga

Charter’ for conservation, restoration, maintenance and repair of historic railway equipment for cultural tourism.

Thematic Workshop were supplemented by Study Visits to Pelion Heritage Railway (110 years anniversary of Ano Lechonia-Milies line) and Olive & Oil Museum at Ano Gatzea, all

proven workshop topic for cultural tourism in South Pelion Municipality. In total, six project partners were represented: Vidzeme Tourism Association - Latvia,

Consell de Mallorca - Spain, Welsh Government CADW - UK, Vastra Gotaland Region - Sweden, European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) - Belgium, Greek National Tourism

Organization (GNTO) together with Municipality of South Pelion from Greece. Workshop`s day with study visits recorded in video and photos.




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2. SUMMARY of Thematic Workshop

Session 1: Pelion Heritage Railway Study trip

Day started with Pelion Heritage Railway study trip with stop at Ano Gatzea station for technical visit to “Olive and Oil Museum” what was presented in the 1st day of workshops. After arriving at last destination at Milies village, participants were meet by President of Commerce Chamber, Padre and representatives of South Pelion Municipality and local stakeholders. After all together had traditional lunch at Milies station prepared by Woman Cooperatives from Trikeri and Vizitsa villages. The Pelion Heritage Railway celebrates this year its 110 years anniversary of the completion of the narrow gauge line to Milies, the same as the ‘Banitis’ Gulbene-Aluksne Railway on Vidzeme, Latvia, where Vidzeme Tourism Association is a partner in the CHARTS project.

Session 2: Railway Heritage Preservation and Promotion for Cultural & Special Interest Tourism The last session were opened by overview on stream railways as unique cultural heritage by M.Vougioukas. He briefly informed about South Pelion Railway history and use in these days. The historical heritage railway Volos - Miles, better known as "Train of Pelion ', is a classic railroad narrow line width (600 mm), which connects the city of Volos with 7 villages and hamlets in south-western and central region of the famous mountain Pelion in Magnesia (Central Greece - Thessaly Region).




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The Train of Pelion year numbers a story 110 years (1903-2013) for the line Upper Lechonia-Milies, and the total length of the route, the 28 km, 12 km, the first launched in 1895 and the remaining 16 km in 1903 ( July 2nd). Worked for 76 years with almost no interruption, transporting people and goods between the city (and the port of Volos) and the fertile and rich in agricultural production area of Pelion, was strongly associated with major historical moments, manners and customs and social and cultural life and a force element of culture and development of the region. Strongly marked the history and environment of the region Volos and Pelion and was for many decades the pulse of Magnesia. The citizens of Volos and Pilio had given him the nickname "Mountzouris" or "Jason, the beast." Restoration of Pelion Heritage Railway by Yiannis Antoniadis, Chief Engineer Hellenic

Railways Organisation OSE

Mr.Y.Antoniadis took the floor to present the Volos-Pelion Railway Restoration Works on steam locomotives and wagons, tracks, bridges and buildings. He started with brief history of Volos-Pelion Railway started by as initiative of the friends of train with wish to renew this railway for tourists. In the end of this project was renovated two steam locomotives, summer and winter wagons, railway track with drainage repairs beside the line and made construction and a small retaining wall by

using metallic slippers from the line. During railway renovation were renovated three bridges: «Vrychonas» Bridge at Kato Lehonia village, the Taxiarchis Bridge and The bridge of Milies. Also, buildings were renovated along the route: ticket booth at Volos Park, main building and auxiliary buildings of Agria Railway Station, the main building of Ano Lechonia Railway Station, the water tank Railway Station of Ano Lechonia village, Ano Gatzea Railway Station, the round table for locomotives at Milies Station, auxiliary buildings at Milies Raiway Station, the main building of Milies Railway Station and auxiliary buildings at Milies. This project were completed with major support by European Union Culture 2000 project Steamrail.net. Gulbene-Aluksne ‘Banitis’ Railway: 110 years, by Mr.Andris Biedrins, Industrial Heritage

Trust of Latvia Mr. A.Biedrins introduced participant with the only operational narrow gauge railway in the Baltics “Gulbene – Aluksne Railway - Banitis” connecting two small cities in Vidzeme region and which is both local transport with daily traffic and tourist’s attraction. His presentation was about the correlation of local transport, heritage preservation and tourist needs. The Gulbene-Aluksne railway is situated town Ape, mentioned before in the presentation about countryside benefits in Vidzeme region.




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The economic base for the railway operation is the state subsidized regular passenger traffic with two daily return train services all over the year, up to 20 000 passengers per year. That ensure paided staff up to 25 employees. In nowadays no one other narrow gauge railway in Baltic countries still operating on the regular bases. Banitis Railway Company is offering for visitors specific activities directly related to the railway. Very marketable is riding hand or motor driven trolleys. As far riding bicycles becomes more and more popular in Latvia, has been adjusted freight wagon for transportation bicycles. Old fashioned horse driven carriages can be used for connection of railway stations with the places of interest in vicinity of the railway line. Horse farms are traditional for the Vidzeme region and Banitis Railway Company looking forward to develop the cooperation in between Banitis and farmers in this field. Visitors enjoy picnic in the forest next to the Paparde station. Guided tour around the Gulbene railway workshops. Restaurant in between the rails at Gulbene station. Easter train and folk dancers at the Gulbene station, in other places at the smaller places at the stations as well. Railway is running mostly through the forests. Banitis festival with locally is well known by ‘bufetčitsas’, folk singers and dancers are traditional part of the festivals and events. From the historical railway line has preserved only some of the typical for the beginning of 20th station buildings constructed from timber. Within the national wooden architecture preservation and restoration programme Banitis Company is restoring the building located in the middle of the line and having passing loop for the train. The most recent offer is the guest house located in the Gulbene depot and also into the parlour car of Estonian Communist Party leaders.

Greek Heritage Railways potential for tourism, by Mr. Kostas Petrakis, Expert of CHARTS Management & Coordination Unit

Mr. K.Petrakis presented Greek Heritage Railway potential for tourism with experience and case studies in Greece. He started with overview on railway and tourism. Railway is a natural ally to tourism. In many countries and areas, railways are more than a simple accessibility support. They are a tourist attraction by themselves (Hejaz, Darjeeling, Alps, Wales …). One of the most attractive themes: heritage railways (cf. the Riga Charter). The railway is, by its nature, an environment lending itself to romanticism, mysticism, well-being, adventure. It is actually the only transport means in which the (holiday or business) traveller can do and have most comforts and freedoms without losing contact with the environment, in contrast to the car, the boat or the aircraft. After he presented some statistical data on Train in Greece occupancy in 1st semester 2007 and rail network in Greece. It showed that in Greece exist poor railway network, poor rail service, despite the numerous tourist attractions and the beautiful landscape and tourist travel by rail is almost unknown. It is because exist insufficient schedule / timetable; deficient information, pre-trip and in-trip, outdated ticketing and booking system, inadequate pricing policy (e.g. 10 tickets = 10* 1 ticket); low marketing (e.g. non-Greek speaking travellers do not exist) and network in Peloponnese is quasi-abandoned after 2010.




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As potentials to make train more attractive for locals and visitors, he outlined six main activities: to re-scheduling based on yield management; improve partnerships with private stakeholders (transport, tourism, marketing) and local authorities for targeted development; orientating to the train users; make modern pricing policy; exploit internet and integrate train within the European and world rail market (collaboration with strong networks). He offered some proposals: intrusion to the market regarding travel of important local user groups (young, elderly, groups of specific interests) through business arrangements with corresponding authorities and organisations; emphasis on heritage rail services and operational plan for specific tourist services. After, he presented three lines connected with archaeology and history (Line Katakolo – Ancient Olympia (cf. cruisers)); Line Athens – Korinthos – Mycenae – Argos – Nauplio and line from Italy to Mani (Magna Grecia) using Line Patras – Kalamata. Four lines connected with natural beauties (The Pelion line, Line Diakofto – Kalavryta, The Nestos line (Thessaloniki – Alexandroupoli) and the Arcadia line) Two lines connected with nostalgia and gastronomy: Simplon / Orient Express gastronomical lines (Athens – Halkida, Athens / Thessaloniki – Istanbul) and nostalgic lines with heritage trains (Argos – Tripoli, Argos – Tripoli – Megalopoli). Three lines connected with sport and leisure: The West Macedonia line (Thessaloniki – Florina); The White Trains (cf. ski resorts in Macedonia and abroad, e.g. Bulgaria) and the Casino lines (Athens – Loutraki, Athens – Rio - Patras). He concluded that at a low cost for rehabilitation and restoration of the infrastructure and the rolling stock (1,5 M Euro) and with a little effort for organizational update and marketing here is potential to develop train to attract more visitors and support economy. After his presentation followed open discussions and conclusions by South Pelion Municipality, Greek National Tourism Organization, CADW Welsh Government, Vidzeme Tourism Association and European Cultural Tourism Network. In the end partners renewed their appointment for the next project event to be held in Vidzeme, Latvia, on good practice topics of ‘Visitor Information’ and ‘Cycling for Tourists’ in September 2013 with optional tour for 110 Years Anniversary of “Aluksne-Gulbene Banitis”.




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3. Contacts

CHARTS project Management & Coordination Unit

EuroTrans Consulting Ltd. Koumoundourou 61 Volos 38221 Greece Tel.+30242107627


Project Coordinator Manos Vougioukas Tel.+30242107627 E-mail: [email protected]

Project Communication Manager Ieva Treija Tel.+30242107627 E-mail: [email protected]

All event photographs © CHARTS project June 2013



mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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ANNEX I South Pelion Municipality, Greece

CHARTS project Thematic Workshops & Study Visits

Local Products & Gastronomy

Traditional Skills & Trades Railway Heritage

7 – 10 June, 2013, South Pelion, Greece (Kala Nera, Ano Gatzea, Milies, Vizitsa, Koropi, Trikeri island)

PROGRAMME

Thursday, 6 June

Arrival of participants

21:00 Welcome dinner at Kala Nera seaside resort (www.kalanera.info)

Friday, 7 June

09:00 – 13.00 Thematic Workshop ‘Local Products & Gastronomy as Intangible

Heritage’

Welcome by Deputy Mayor of South Pelion, Mr Evaggelos Nassiopoulos

Welcome by the Governor of Thessalia Region, Mr Kostas Agorastos

Welcome by European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) President, Mr

Kostas Chalevas

Introduction to the event by CHARTS Project Coordinator, Manos

Vougioukas

Greek Cuisine and award of Quality Label, Ms Pinelopi Nompilaki - Greek

National Tourism Organisation

Coffee break

Museum of Olive and Olive Oil in Mount Pelion, Ms Athina Argyropoulou

Pelion Cuisine as intangible heritage, Ms Evi Leventi

Catalan Cuisine as UNESCO intangible heritage, Ibertur-University of

Barcelona

Cultural Routes of Wine and Olive, Greek National Tourism Organisation

Discussion and Conclusions, VTA / Vastra Gotaland Region / Welsh

Government CADW / Mallorca / GNTO / South Pelion Municipality / ECTN

13:00 – 14:30 Traditional Lunch by Vizitsa Women Cooperative, visit to Vizitsa village

Rest of the day Free time in Kala Nera seaside resort

Saturday, 8 June

10:00 – 13.00 Study events: ‘Child & Horse’,

Display of traditional skills: saddle making, horse shoeing, at Koropi

13:00-14:30 Traditional Lunch and Display by Women Cooperatives of Trikeri & Vizitsa

14:30-20:00 Free time

20:00-23:00 Pelion cuisine tasting at Koropi beach, Dinner, traditional music and dancing

Sunday, 9 June

08:00-12:00 Departure to Trikeri island by boat, welcome by Mayor of South Pelion, Study

visit to old Monastery

13:00-14:30 Seafood lunch at Trikeri island




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16:00 Return to Kala Nera by boat

17:00 – 20:00 Cycling, horse riding and running, triathlon at Koropi

Monday, 10 June

10:30 – 12:30 Pelion Heritage Railway study trip (Ano Lechonia – Milies route) with stop

at Ano Gatzea station – visit to ‘Olive and Oil Museum’, light lunch at Milies

station

14:00 – 18:00 Workshop ‘Traditional Skills & Trades for Cultural Tourism Development’

Welcome by South Pelion Mayor, Mr Nikolaos Fortounas

Welcome by Thessalia Region Deputy Governor Mr Georgios Kaltsoyiannis

Welcome by European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN)

Traditional Maritime Skills: Preserving Heritage for the Future – Ms Conny

Boersma, Zeeland County, Netherlands (ECTN external expert)

Traditional Skills and Crafts – Astra Binde, Vidzeme Tourism Association

Latvia

The World of Horseriding – Mauro Testarella, President of ENGEA Italy

Traditional Skills & Social Tourism, Costanzo Conte, President of

BioAcademyOnline, Italy

Discussion & Conclusions, Vastra Gotaland Region / Welsh Government

CADW / Mallorca / GNTO / South Pelion Municipality / ECTN

Coffee break

Workshop ‘Railway Heritage Preservation & Promotion for Cultural &

Special Interest Tourism’

Steam Railways: a unique cultural heritage – Manos Vougioukas, CHARTS

Project Coordinator

Volos - Pelion Railway Restoration, Yiannis Antoniadis, Chief Engineer

Hellenic Railways Organisation OSE

Gulbene-Aluksne ‘Banitis’ Railway: 110 years, Andris Biedrins, Industrial

Heritage Trust of Latvia

Greek Heritage Railways potential for tourism, Kostas Petrakis, CHARTS

Management & Coordination Unit

Discussion & Conclusions, South Pelion Municipality / GNTO / CADW / VTA /

ECTN

20:30 Farewell Dinner

Tuesday, 11 June Departure

(optional transfer to Athens for Europa Nostra 50th Congress)

With support of:

Engaging Culture and Heritage for

Sustainable Tourism Development




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ANNEX II




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Documents

Event Report - CHARTS project · Report on the Workshop Workshop I “Railway Heritage” on 10 June 2013 in South Pelion Municipality, Greece by CHARTS MCU, June 2013 1 Project CHARTS