International Conference on Inclusive Tourism in Moravske Toplice
Practical solutions and inspiring examples from the Danube Region
On 3 June 2025, the international conference “Inclusive Tourism as a Development and Investment Opportunity in the Danube Region” took place at Terme Vivat in Moravske Toplice. Organised by Institute Iskriva as part of the Inclusive Border Cycling (IBC) project, the event brought together nearly 100 experts, decision-makers, tourism professionals, NGO representatives, and educators from nine countries.
Inclusive tourism as a driver of sustainable development
Tourism plays a key role in many European economies. In Slovenia, it directly contributed 5.2% to the national GDP in 2023 and employed more than 58,000 people – 6.3% of the workforce. However, a crucial question remains: how can we ensure that travel experiences are accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or digital skills?
Inclusive tourism is not just a matter of social responsibility – it is an opportunity for innovation, new product development, and reaching wider audiences. By designing services that are accessible and adaptable, destinations can strengthen their position as sustainable and inclusive, built on respect for every visitor’s needs.
Keynote speakers from across Europe and beyond
The morning programme featured four inspiring keynote speeches.
When accessibility becomes action: donation of hearing loops
A special moment of the event was the donation of portable induction hearing loops to regional healthcare institutions in Pomurje, made possible by the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia as part of the CE-Spaces4All project. This symbolic and practical gesture highlights the value of accessibility – not only in tourism but across all public services. Institutions received Humantechnik and Opus hearing loop systems to support their work with hearing-impaired patients and community members.
Panel discussions: from practice to vision
Three parallel panel sessions explored different aspects of inclusive tourism:
Launch of the “Scan Right” initiative
In the concluding part of the conference, participants were introduced to the innovative Scan Right initiative, developed by Tourism 4.0 in cooperation with the Inter-Municipal Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired Nova Gorica. The initiative promotes the consistent placement of QR codes in the bottom-right corner of printed and digital materials, making information more accessible for blind and visually impaired persons, older adults, and less tech-savvy users.
About the project
The conference was part of the Inclusive Border Cycling (IBC) project under the Interreg Danube Transnational Programme. IBC connects 11 partners from 8 countries with a shared goal: to develop inclusive, sustainable, and innovative cycling tourism in border regions of Central and Southeastern Europe. Through improved accessibility and user experience, IBC strengthens cross-border cooperation and contributes to quality of life and sustainable development along the Mura, Drava, and Danube rivers.
