Liepāja, Latvia, has been recognised as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism project for its long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusion in tourism.

Since 2012, the municipality has implemented key infrastructure upgrades – such as tactile paving, accessible beaches, and audio buoys for visually impaired swimmers - ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can access the city’s main attractions.

A highlight of Liepāja’s inclusive offer is the “Hear, smell, touch Liepāja” project, a guided sensory tour led by a trained blind guide, specifically designed for visually impaired visitors.

The city continues to innovate, currently developing a metaverse experience to allow people with limited mobility to explore Liepāja digitally.
With support from EU, national, and municipal funding, the initiative has gained traction among private stakeholders and improved the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Additionally, Liepāja also invested in improving the accessibility of its accommodation facilities and services, as nearly all local hotels meet international accessibility standards, and tour guides are certified to assist people with disabilities.

Liepāja’s journey shows how political will, strategic investment, and public engagement can turn accessibility into a key pillar of sustainable tourism. 

For more details on the key challenges the destination has faced, and the solutions implemented to address them, please refer to the attached document.

#Destination management #Sustainable tourism #Adaptation strategies #Cultural preservation #Community engagement #Stakeholder engagement #Tourism development #Mobility