Development of accessible tourism routes (Access Routes)

Nature and culture heritage sites are national values contributing to the quality of life. They are also important source for education and recreation. But is it for all? Getting outdoors can be challenging – due to path being too narrow, too steep, rocky and due to lack of access to information and services. It affects not just those with disability, but also parents with children, seniors, in fact, the largest part of the population. Adapting environment and services to all is therefore important both from social, as well as economic perspective. It is a common challenge of the Estonia-Latvia programme area, which requires a cross-border approach to provide jointly adapted accessible cross-border information, environment and services.

The Project aims to expand and add value to the joint cross-border tourism product mapeirons.eu, which embraces the chain of accessible nature tourism destinations in Estonia and Latvia. The task is to add to mapeirons.eu new trails, cultural heritage sites, other interest objects, catering and accommodation services in regions (Vidzeme, South Estonia) not covered so far and expand it to provide travellers, incl. disabled, with complete visiting experience through developing 30 safe, reliable, tested, accessible 1-3 day routes, incl. cross-border, overall in Latvia and Estonia. The project shall also develop and install creative and effective tactile solutions at 12 sites in Latvia (Kurzeme and Vidzeme) and 9 sites in South Estonia. Cross-border approach will help to develop and ensure a unified minimum access standard and brand the routes with “Disability friendly” quality sign.