Can tourism become a catalyst for revitalising regional rail lines in rural areas, supporting local communities while creating new opportunities for sustainable travel?
This is one of the key questions that will be explored during the conference “Low Traffic, High Value: Unlocking the Potential of Rail Services in Europe’s Rural Areas”, organised as part of the EU-funded Tour&Rail project. The event will take place on 16 June 2026 in Florence, Italy, and online, from 09:00 to 12:30 CET, and will bring together the Tour&Rail consortium, including UIC, alongside railway professionals, policymakers, regional authorities, tourism stakeholders, researchers and mobility experts.
Looking beyond passenger numbers
In an era where transport systems are increasingly measured by efficiency and demand, many regional rail services face mounting pressure due to lower traffic volumes. Yet their true value often extends far beyond mere ridership statistics.
For millions of Europeans, these rail connections are lifelines, linking communities to employment, education, healthcare, and tourism opportunities while providing a sustainable alternative to road transport. They also play a crucial role in supporting regional economies and facilitating the achievement of Europe’s climate goals.
The conference will challenge traditional perceptions of low-demand rail services and demonstrate why their contribution should be assessed not only through operational performance, but also through their wider social, environmental, and economic impact.
Exploring how tourism can support regional rail and rural development
How can tourism contribute to the long-term viability of regional rail services in rural areas? What methodologies can be used to assess the wider value generated by rail-tourism ecosystems? And how can local stakeholders work together to maximise the potential benefits for both residents and visitors?
Through expert presentations, practical case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will explore how tourism can act as a catalyst for the revitalisation of rural communities served by regional railways. The conference will showcase the approaches developed within the Tour&Rail project and examine how stronger synergies between tourism and rail can support economic development by supporting shops and businesses, social cohesion (such as improving accessibility and enhancing quality of life), and attract tourism. Case studies from Portugal and Italy will be presented to this end.
By looking beyond traditional transport indicators, participants will explore how to capture and measure the broader value that regional rail services can create.
Key topics in the programme:
- Methodologies for assessing the socio-economic value generated by rail tourism
- Indicators and tools to measure the impact of tourism on regional rail services and rural development
- Case studies showcasing successful partnerships between the rail and tourism sectors
- Cooperation models involving railway undertakings, tourism organisations, local authorities, and regional stakeholders
- Strategies to drive sustainable mobility, local development, and regional appeal through tourism
- Contribution of rail-tourism initiatives to social inclusion, and regional cohesion and resilience
Join the conversation in Florence
Whether you attend in person or online, leading experts and stakeholders who are committed to strengthening the future of regional rail in rural across Europe will be there to open the discussion. The conference will provide insight, practical examples, and a space to explore how low-traffic rail services can generate value for communities, regions, and the wider transport system.
The event will be conducted in English and Italian, with simultaneous interpretation provided throughout the session.
Register here: https://uic.org/events/low-traffic-high-value-activating-the-potential-of-rail-services-in-europe-s.
More information about the Tour&Rail project can be found at : https://tourandrail.com/.
