Accessibility is increasingly recognised as a vital aspect of sustainable tourism, and the Access Routes project exemplifies how to put this into practice. Part of the Interreg Estonia–Latvia Programme, it aims to develop inclusive tourism experiences that welcome all travellers, regardless of physical or sensory disabilities.
The project mainly enhances the cross-border tourism platform mapeirons.eu, which links accessible nature and cultural sites in Estonia and Latvia. The objective is to grow this network by adding new destinations, services, and experiences—making it more complete and user-friendly.
A major outcome is the creation of 30 safe, reliable, and thoroughly tested tourism routes, each spanning 1–3 days. These include national and cross-border routes, enabling visitors to explore the region seamlessly and inclusively.
The project also emphasises improving on-site physical infrastructure and accessibility. This includes installing tactile solutions at 21 locations—12 in Latvia and 9 in South Estonia—making destinations more accessible, especially for visually impaired visitors. Another central element is the introduction of a unified accessibility standard across the project area. By developing common criteria and labelling routes with a “Disability Friendly” quality mark, the initiative ensures that visitors can easily identify accessible locations and trust the level of service provided.

The project is implemented through a robust cross-border partnership involving regional authorities, tourism organizations from both countries, and groups representing people with disabilities. This collaboration guarantees that solutions are technically sound and aligned with actual user needs. Running from October 2023 to March 2026 with a budget exceeding €1.1 million (co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund), the initiative reflects the EU's broader commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism. From a European perspective, Access Routes exemplifies how accessibility can be integrated into tourism development rather than treated as an afterthought. By simultaneously addressing infrastructure, services, and information, it adopts a comprehensive approach that benefits diverse travelers—including those with disabilities, seniors, families, and others with mobility challenges. Moreover, the project emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation, recognizing that tourism experiences extend beyond national borders, and consistency across regions is crucial for quality visitor journeys. Access Routes offers a practical model for achieving such coordination. Ultimately, it demonstrates that accessibility is both a social responsibility and a strategic opportunity—making destinations more inclusive, expanding market potential, enhancing visitor satisfaction, and strengthening the tourism sector's resilience.

More information here: https://estlat.eu/en/access-routes

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