Third Mobility – Znojmo Region, Czech Republic (March 2026)
The third mobility of the UNDER – Underground Navigators Exploring and Revealing project took place in the Znojmo region, Czech Republic, from 9 to 12 March 2026, representing a key step in the project's journey through Europe's underground and rural heritage. As part of the Erasmus+–funded initiative, this mobility focused on sustainable and rural tourism, offering participants the opportunity to explore how local traditions, underground sites, and community-based practices can contribute to innovative and inclusive tourism models.
Bringing together young cultural operators, heritage professionals, and project partners from Malta, Italy, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the programme combined experiential learning with intercultural exchange. Participants engaged directly with local stakeholders and environments, gaining insight into how heritage, gastronomy, and landscape can be integrated into cohesive tourism strategies that benefit both communities and visitors.
Programme Highlights
The mobility began on 9 March with the arrival of delegations in the village of Višňové, where participants were welcomed in a local winery setting . A shared dinner in a brewery created an informal and friendly atmosphere, encouraging participants to connect and establish the foundations for collaboration throughout the programme.
On 10 March, activities moved to Jevišovice, where participants visited the historic castle and explored its role within the local cultural landscape. The programme included immersive cultural experiences such as the Slav Epic and a visit to a chapel hosting a food and wine event . These activities highlighted the importance of combining heritage, art, and gastronomy to create meaningful and engaging tourism experiences.
The following day, 11 March, was dedicated to the city of Znojmo. Participants took part in a guided underground tour, gaining first-hand experience of how subterranean heritage can be managed and interpreted for visitors . The visit continued with a stop at the Znojmo Brewery, including lunch and a tour, offering insights into the connection between local production, history, and tourism. The afternoon included free time and a visit to a traditional enotéka (wine bar), further exploring the region's cultural identity. The day concluded with a farewell party featuring traditional cimbalom music, celebrating intercultural exchange and group cohesion.
On 12 March, the mobility officially concluded, marking the end of an intense and enriching international experience .
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the mobility, participants:
- developed a deeper understanding of sustainable and rural tourism practices linked to underground and local heritage;
- observed real-life examples of how cultural sites, gastronomy, and local production can be integrated into tourism strategies;
- enhanced intercultural communication and teamwork skills through shared experiences and collaborative activities;
- strengthened their ability to analyse and interpret heritage within different territorial and cultural contexts;
- gained practical inspiration for future cultural, educational, and tourism initiatives within the UNDER partnership.
Impact
The Znojmo mobility significantly contributed to expanding participants' perspectives on heritage management by introducing a strong focus on rural contexts and sustainability. Through site visits, cultural experiences, and direct engagement with local realities, participants acquired practical knowledge and transferable skills applicable to their professional paths.
This third mobility further strengthened cooperation among partner organisations, reinforcing the exchange of best practices and consolidating the network built throughout the project. By connecting underground heritage with local traditions, gastronomy, and community engagement, the experience highlighted new possibilities for inclusive and sustainable tourism development across Europe.
Project objectives achieved
With this final mobility, the UNDER project successfully consolidated its core objectives, promoting experiential learning, fostering intercultural dialogue, and strengthening professional competences among young cultural operators across Europe. Throughout the three mobilities, participants engaged with diverse underground and cultural contexts, gaining practical insights into heritage management, tourism development, and community engagement.
The project as a whole demonstrated how underground heritage can serve as a powerful tool for education, cooperation, and sustainable development, reinforcing the connection between local identity and European citizenship. By bringing together different countries, practices, and perspectives, UNDER has contributed to building a strong network of young professionals equipped to innovate and collaborate within the cultural and tourism sectors.
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