The association representing the 738 kilometre trans-country route from Chaves to Faro comprises 21 of the 32 municipalities through which the road runs. A further ten have pledged their adherence and are awaiting approval from their respective municipal assemblies.
Luís Machado, Mayor of Santa Marta de Penaguião, which is spearheading the EN2 tourist project, told Lusa News Agency that the constitution of the association represents the “last step towards the first phase of this project”.
The Mayor said the new association intends to fulfil the elevation of the EN2 to an attraction on a par with the US’s Route 66 and Argentina’s Ruta 40.
But, to achieve their goal and internationalise the route, Mayor Machado said a pre-notice of the requirement of EU funding for the project should be formally made.
From Trás-os-Montes to the Algarve the EN2 crosses through 32 inland municipalities boasting varied landscape, from the lush vines of the Douro, to the golden plains of the Alentejo, to the sun-drenched beaches of southern Portugal.
This, Luís Machado explained, is the potential of the landscape and heritage that the route aims to showcase; a guided tour through the country.
“The idea is for people who follow this route to have the same type of experience in all municipalities through which it passes, and to have access to information on accommodation, dining and local products in all of the places”, he explained.
The Mayor elaborated that the “EN2 will create wealth in all territories through which it passes and will help showcase indigenous culture, gastronomy and products, as well as securing resident populations and attracting new people.”
The Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) University in Vila Real is a partner in the project and, in collaboration with national transport network managers Infrastruturas de Portugal (IP), will create an app containing all information on the EN2.
IP is also to install signage along the route, while Mayor Machado said the project also intends to renovate abandoned old typical ‘cantoneiro’ properties along the way.