08/04/2026

Opatija Embraces Accessibility in Inclusive Tourism Training

On 27 March 2026, Opatija hosted a new and meaningful step in the SITE journey towards more inclusive, accessible and welcoming tourism. The Training on Inclusive Tourism brought together professionals, institutions, experts and stakeholders for a full day of exchange, learning and reflection on how tourism can better respond to diverse needs.

The training provided participants with the opportunity to explore the principles of Universal Design and their practical application in tourism. The event also highlighted the importance of capacity building and knowledge transfer as key elements in shaping destinations that are more accessible and inclusive for all.

A strong participation and a shared commitment

The training was met with strong interest and active participation, confirming the relevance of accessibility and inclusion in today’s tourism sector. The event created a valuable space for dialogue among tourism professionals, destination stakeholders, institutions and other participants interested in improving the quality, usability and inclusiveness of tourism experiences.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was characterised by curiosity, engagement and a shared willingness to rethink tourism through a broader and more people-centred perspective.

Turning Universal Design into practical tourism knowledge

One of the key strengths of the training was its practical and multidisciplinary approach. Participants were invited to reflect not only on the principles behind inclusive tourism, but also on how these can be translated into concrete actions, communication choices, services and infrastructure.

The programme explored a range of topics related to accessibility and inclusion in tourism, including:

- Universal Design principles
- Inclusive and accessible communication
- Importance of accessible information for different target groups
- Easy language and digital accessibility
- Inclusive approaches to tourism infrastructure and services
- Strategies for designing and managing more welcoming destinations

These discussions reinforced a central message of the SITE project: inclusive tourism is not a niche issue, but a strategic and practical direction for destinations that want to be sustainable, competitive and truly open to all.

Training materials as a lasting resource

Beyond the event itself, one of the most valuable outcomes of the training is the availability and relevance of the training materials, which help extend the impact of the day beyond those who attended in person.

These materials support the dissemination of project knowledge and provide a useful resource for tourism professionals, destination managers, public authorities, service providers and other stakeholders who wish to deepen their understanding of accessibility and Universal Design in tourism.

In this sense, the Opatija training is not only an event, but also a contribution to the broader objective of making inclusive tourism knowledge more transferable, practical and usable across different destinations.

A few moments from Opatija

The photo gallery below captures some of the key moments of the day — from presentations and discussions to exchanges between participants and the collaborative spirit that defined the event.

But the conversation continues beyond the training room!

In the coming weeks, the SITE Project will continue sharing thematic content inspired by the Opatija training, helping make key concepts, insights and practical knowledge more accessible and easier to explore for wider audiences.

👉 Follow SITE on all our social media channels to stay updated, discover new content and continue exploring inclusive tourism, accessibility and Universal Design with us.