On October 23, 2021, the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes awarded prizes for the wine production heritage route Iter Vitis, which was developed by the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes. The Azerbaijan Tourism Board was given the Best Cross-Border Wine Tourism Product award at this event, held in the Italian region of Sicily.

The prize, which is divided into various categories, aims to support and recognise initiatives and ideas in the fields of cultural and wine heritage enhancement, responsible, creative, experienced and sustainable tourism in the worldwide network's member countries.

The award ceremony at the Palazzo Pannitteri was also attended by Giuliana De Francesco, Representative of the Council of Europe for Cultural Routes of the Italian Ministry of Culture, and Domenico Coco, Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Sicily and Calabria.

Earlier, on October 22, 2020, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) was awarded the Special Iter Vitis Award for promoting viticulture, winemaking and wine tourism in Azerbaijan. The award was dedicated to the memory of Paolo Buenvenito, the founder of the Iter Vitis routes.

In early 2020, after evaluating the prospects for wine tourism in the Caucasus region, initial work began in this area, and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board joined the Iter Vitis Caucasus route. The initiative has resulted in the development of a cooperative wine route between Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia which will be implemented shortly.

Additional information about the award ceremony, click here