2nd Visit in Šibenik to advance accessibility at the pilot site
03/08/2026
On 13 and 14 July 2026, SITE project partners met in Šibenik for the second visit to the local pilot site, combining project coordination, an accessibility review and a dedicated training session for local tourism stakeholders.
The two-day visit represented an important opportunity to assess the progress made at the Šibenik pilot site and to discuss the next steps towards a more inclusive visitor experience, following the principles of Universal Design.
The programme began on 13 July with a project meeting dedicated to ongoing activities. Partners reviewed the implementation of the different work packages, exchanged updates from the pilot areas and coordinated the next phases of the project.
Reviewing the visitor experience at St. Michael's Fortress
During the visit, the SITE partnership reviewed the developments introduced at St. Michael's Fortress, one of Šibenik’s most important cultural heritage attractions and the focus of the local pilot activities.
The assessment considered the overall visitor experience, including usability, orientation and the accessibility of the different areas within the fortress. The partners also discussed how further improvements could support a wider range of visitors, including people with reduced mobility.
An improvement plan is currently being developed to facilitate access to the upper section of the fortress. Due to the site’s architectural and cultural significance, accessibility measures must be carefully integrated into the historic environment.
Instead of introducing a conventional lift, which could create challenges for the conservation and visual integrity of the fortress, the proposed approach explores a carefully designed ramp system. The aim is to improve physical accessibility while respecting the identity and heritage value of the site.
This process reflects the SITE project’s approach to Universal Design: accessibility solutions should respond to people’s needs while also taking into account the specific characteristics of each destination.
Accessible Tourism and Universal Design training
On 14 July, local tourism stakeholders took part in the training session “Accessible Tourism & Universal Design”, held at St. John’s Fortress.
The training was coordinated by the University of Rijeka’s Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management – FTHM and the University of Trieste – UNITS, with contributions from other SITE partners, including VEASYT and CMI.
The programme addressed several key aspects of inclusive tourism:
- the Universal Design approach;
- terminology related to accessible and inclusive tourism;
- Easy Language and more understandable communication;
- accessibility of cultural infrastructure;
- inclusive cultural programmes.
Through presentations and practical examples, participants explored how accessibility can be incorporated into tourism planning, cultural management and visitor services.
The session also underlined that inclusive tourism is not limited to removing physical barriers. Clear information, understandable language, accessible cultural content and well-designed services all contribute to making destinations more welcoming and usable for everyone.
Building local capacity for more inclusive destinations
The participation of local tourism stakeholders was particularly important for connecting the SITE methodology with the practical needs of the destination.
By bringing together project partners, tourism professionals and organisations involved in cultural heritage, the training supported the exchange of expertise and encouraged a shared approach to accessibility.
The knowledge developed during the visit will contribute to the next stages of the Šibenik pilot activities and to the wider SITE objective of creating tourism destinations that can be enjoyed by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or individual needs.
Explore the photo gallery to discover the main moments of the second SITE project visit to Šibenik.
