Cross- border Network for Accessible Tourism

Project code:CB005.2.23.003
Project call:CB005.2
Priority axis / Specific objective:2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives
Type of project:Soft
Project duration in months:15
Project final contract amount:91667.00 €
Project EU co-financing rate:85.00 %
Project start date:25.08.2020
Project end date:24.11.2021
Project intervention field:095 Development and promotion of public cultural and heritage services
Project summary:

The overall goal of the project is to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism through better planning and addressing the needs of people with disabilities, as well as the implementation of a consistent set of interventions to reduce barriers and enable people with special needs to visit different tourist destinations. The specific objectives of the project are to create a network for cooperation in the field of affordable tourism, to attract public attention and develop skills and knowledge among tourism service providers to properly approach their work with people with special needs, to promote new tourism services and products. through easily accessible channels and in a flexible, adaptable and more attractive way.
The project activities include conducting a seminar "Affordable Tourism for All" in order to attract public attention and discuss topics related to affordable tourism, research and promotion of tools for "marking" and recognition of accessible places, organizing an information bank on the web the project site, preparation of a catalog and brochure for popularization of the accessible natural, cultural and historical heritage, conducting training on topics related to the accessible architectural environment "Inspiration for accessible tourism".
As a result of the project, a cross-border network for cooperation in the field of affordable tourism will be established, universal, high-quality and fully accessible tourism products provided to people with special needs. Good practices and know-how in affordable tourism will be shared among the partners and participants in the project. Staff in the field of tourism for working with people with special needs will be trained and informed. Attractive and innovative approaches will be developed to provide accessible information on the natural, cultural and historical values ​​of the cross-border region, including alternative forms of tourism.

Project status: Finished

The project is a bridge between the communities situated on both sides of the cross- border region, in the establishment of linkage of cultural, historical and economic interest.

The project activities addressed the needs of visitors with disability, and implementation of a consistent set of interventions to reduce barriers that do not allow disabled people to fully enjoy territories and turn them away from tourist fruition as follows: Organization of management meetings: This first activity is organizational and aims to create a mechanism for the successful implementation and coordination of the project.
Accessible Tourism for All Workshop in Haskovo aims to "turn all eyes" on the project and provide a scene for the discussion of opportunities, barriers and challenges for making accessible tourism a reality.
Study on accessible tourism to natural, cultural and historical sites in Haskovo and Kirklareli region and a new sustainable high- grade tourism product proposed.
Destination: Cross- border region. A web‐based platform created as a mechanism intended to facilitate and promote CB sustainable and accessible tourism.
Integration of assistive technologies in tourism as an innovative approach for ensuring accessible information of the nat

Partners

Leading partner
Club of the Handicapped with Physical Disabilities- Haskovo
PP2
Kirklareli Branch of Turkey Handicap Association
PP3
Regional Library "Hristo Smirnenski"- Haskovo