Estonia-Latvia Programme joined Interreg at Global Summit for Accessible Tourism

08.10.2025 | 10:15

From 5–7 October 2025, Turin, Italy - European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 - hosted the 3rd World Summit on Accessible Tourism, also known as Destinations for All. This global event brought together experts, policymakers, and accessibility advocates to share best practices and innovative solutions for inclusive tourism.

The 3rd World Summit on Accessible Tourism, held from 5–7 October 2025 in Turin, Italy, featured plenary sessions, poster exhibitions, and networking opportunities focused on:

  • Accessible destination management
  • Inclusive transport and mobility
  • Cultural heritage and hospitality
  • Digital innovation for accessibility

Interreg was proud to be part of this leading international event, showcasing how its cross-border cooperation projects contribute to accessible and inclusive tourism across Europe. The Summit provided a unique opportunity to highlight the tangible impact of Interreg initiatives in shaping a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable tourism sector—ensuring that travel experiences are accessible to all visitors, regardless of their needs.

Estonia–Latvia Programme projects featured at the event 

The representation of Interreg at the Summit was coordinated by Interact, which brought together accessible tourism projects from across Europe. As part of this joint effort, the Estonia–Latvia Programme proudly showcased the achievements of several regional projects.

Projects Featured at the Stand

During the event, alongside the seminar sessions, four projects were selected to represent the Estonia–Latvia Programme at the Interreg infostand:

Each project was introduced with a short summary, highlighting its impact on improving accessibility in tourism across Estonia and Latvia.

Oral Presentation: Spotlight on Access Routes

The Access Routes project was selected for the oral presentation due to its strategic relevance and strong partnership. Alise Lūse from Kurzeme Planning Region co-presented the session, sharing the project’s key achievements:

  • Expansion of the mapeirons.eu platform with 30 accessible tourism routes across Vidzeme and South Estonia
  • Installation of tactile elements at 21 sites
  • Creation of a “Disability Friendly” quality label
  • Experience-exchange visits and inspections to ensure accessibility standards

The presentation was part of a shared 1.5-hour slot with another Interreg project and included general insights into Interreg’s role in promoting accessible tourism.

Estonia-Latvia Programme: helping to drive change across borders

The Estonia–Latvia Programme’s participation in the World Summit on Accessible Tourism was not only a showcase of successful cross-border cooperation—it was a statement of commitment to building a more inclusive future. By contributing to Interreg’s global presence and sharing practical solutions through projects like Access Routes, the Programme reaffirmed its role in shaping accessible tourism across the region. The visibility gained at WSAT 2025 strengthens ongoing efforts and opens new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact in the years to come.

KATRIN JUHANSON

open graph imagesearch block image