One of the main lessons we learn in management is summarised in this phrase: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it”. Without numbers, even the best cultural route can’t pursue its goals.

We all know that FORTE CULTURA sites welcome visitors, organise events and work with local businesses. But so far, we have very little comparable data at route level. This is a weakness for the certification we are expecting from the European Institute for Cultural Routes (EICR) and also a limit for our own strategic decisions.

To improve this, we have created a very simple Google Form to collect basic, harmonised data from all members.

The form is the “Basic Data Template for EICR Certification” we discussed at the last OMM (see the presentation of our strategies here).
Our goal is not to create extra paperwork, but to get a first, realistic picture of what is already happening in our fortresses and cities.

Why this form is important

1. For EICR Certification

The European Institute of Cultural Routes expects candidate routes to show real tourism and economic impact, not only narratives. With this form we will be able to answer key questions such as:

• How many visitors do FORTE CULTURA sites receive in a year (even approximately)?
• How many events are clearly branded as FORTE CULTURA?
• How many SMEs (guides, restaurants, local producers, tour operators, etc.) are involved in activities linked to the route?

These are exactly the type of indicators the EICR is looking for.

2. For our own management decisions

The same data will also help us:

• Identify strong and weak areas of the route;
• Support members with new strategies when data are not satisfying;
• Make better choices about communication and project ideas;
• Support members with concrete evidence when they talk to local authorities and funders.

In short: the more members reply, the better we can defend our common interests. Filling in the form should take 15–20 minutes, especially if you already have some basic figures.

How to fill in the form

1. Click the link:
   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhDTfnTC1vCubqiM0qf4VDmYw_p81FtQgdLG0BIyhDJ-gcQA/viewform
2. Complete the questions step by step. If exact data is not available, use estimates and simply indicate “estimate” where relevant.
3. At the end, confirm that the information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

If you manage more than one site, please fill in one form per site.

Deadline and support

To be useful for our EICR application and for the 2026 planning, we kindly ask you to complete the form by 30 March 2026.

If you have any doubts or difficulties (for example, uncertainty about visitor numbers, how to count SMEs, or technical problems with the form), our Secretariat is at your disposal to help you. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

A shared effort for a stronger route

This is our first coordinated attempt to measure the tourism and economic impact of FORTE CULTURA across Europe. It will not be perfect, but it is an essential step if we want to be recognised as a strong, credible Cultural Route – both by the Council of Europe and by our partners.

Your contribution is crucial.

👉 Please take a moment in the coming days to fill in the form for your site and share it with the colleague who is best placed to provide this data.

Together, we can transform numbers into arguments – and arguments into better support for our fortresses, cities and regions.

The Board
FORTE CULTURA e.V.