I am volunteer in the framework of the Interreg Project “EE-LV00013 – Forest and Coastal Hiking Trails’ accessibility improvement for different social groups. The main goal for this project is to improve the accessibility of tourism services in Estonia and in Latvia for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy their travel experiences without barriers.

In Latvia, a substantial number of individuals, nearly 127,000, live with invisible disabilities or functional impairments. Despite shared basic needs with other travelers, unique solutions are required to ensure their access to tourism services. Embracing universal design principles is key for service providers to reduce barriers in understanding, communication, and physical access. By prioritizing accessibility in accommodations and facilities, Latvia and Estonia can offer a more inclusive tourism experience for all travelers.

Everyone benefits from promoting inclusive tourism in Latvia. Individuals with disabilities or functional impairments gain improved access to tourism services, allowing them to enjoy travel experiences like anyone else.

In this collaborative effort to promote inclusive tourism in Latvia and Estonia, I played a vital role by designing and distributing questionnaires to gather information.