Development of accessible tourism routes
The aim of the project is to put together 30 different 1-3 day tested, safe, accessible tourist routes in Latvia and Estonia, which will complement the list of accessible sites and routes.
EE-LV00043 “Development of accessible tourism routes” (Access Routes).
Project period: 01.10.2023 – 31.03.2026
Total cost of the project: 1 118 217,50€ (of which ERDF funding 894 574,00€).
Short description of the project
Natural and cultural heritage sites are our national treasures that contribute to the quality of life of us all. This heritage has an important place in our identity, education, leisure. Unfortunately, not everyone has an equal chance to share in this heritage. Outdoor mobility can be restricted by narrow, steep, rocky roads and paths, or by lack of access to information and services. This is not only a problem for people with disabilities, but also for parents and the elderly – in fact, for the majority of the population. Adapting the environment and services to make them as accessible as possible is therefore important from both a social and an economic perspective. This is a common challenge in the Estonian-Latvian programme area, which requires a cross-border approach to provide jointly adapted accessible cross-border information, environment and services.
The aim of the project is to put together 30 different 1-3 days tested, safe, accessible tourist routes in Latvia and Estonia, which will complement the lists of accessible sites and routes already created in cross-border cooperation on www.looduseleligi.ee and www.mapeirons.eu. The project will develop and install creative and tactile solutions that enable people with disabilities to experience more than they normally do. The project will develop a minimum standard for accessibility of tourist sites and corresponding signage. The project will develop cross-border cooperation between Estonia and Latvia.
The project’s target group:
Local and foreign tourists
Stakeholders, including. NGOs representing people with disabilities
Tourism service providers
Applicants and partners:
The project will be implemented under the leadership of the lead partner, Kurzeme Planning Border (www.kurzemesregions.lv), in cooperation with 4 partners from Estonia and Latvia:
Vidzeme planning area; www.vidzeme.lv
Estonian Chamber of Disabled People; www.epikoda.ee
Võrumaa Development Centre; www.vorumaa.ee
SA Tartumaa Turism – South-Estonian Tourism Cluster; www.visitsouthestonia.com
New Accessibility Guidelines
As part of the Access Routes project, new guidelines have been developed to help businesses in the culture and tourism sectors enhance accessibility in smart, practical ways. Accessibility is not only a matter for people with disabilities—it also benefits a growing number of older adults and families with young children.
View and download the Accessibility Guide (PDF)
Project coordinator by SA Tartumaa Turismi:
Janelle Uibokand, +372 553 4445; janelle.uibokand@visitsouthestonia.com
ESTONIAN-LATVIAN INTERREG PROGRAMME FUNDED BY
