About the Conference
The international conference Inclusive Tourism as a Development and Investment Opportunity in the Danube Region will bring together stakeholders from across the Danube region to explore how inclusive tourism can serve as a driver for sustainable development, investment in the built environment, and social innovation.
The event will focus on the role of accessibility and participation in shaping resilient communities, and on the importance of inclusion in both tourism infrastructure and service design.
Organised by Institute Iskriva in cooperation with key regional and EU partners, the conference builds on the work of several EU-funded projects, including IBC, CAST, Spaces4All, ICTr-CE, and NONA.
Relive the conference moments
Explore highlights from the event, including photos, videos, and speaker presentations, on our dedicated page.
Conference Schedule
09:00 – Registration and coffee
09:30 – Main part of the conference (Glass hall, ground floor)
Keynote 1: Irina Cozma, European Strategy for the Danube Region
Keynote 2: Urška Dolinar, Institute Iskriva
Donation of portable hearing loops
Keynote 3: Mihael Fend, Styrian Thermen&Vulkanland
Keynote 4: Kristy Durso, Travel Ability Insider
11:45 – Coffee break
12:15 – Panel discussions (in 3 parallel sessions)
Panel 1: Tourism Investment for Locals and Visitors (Blue hall, ground floor)
Panel 2: How to Develop and Sell the Danube Region as an Inclusive and Regenerative Destination (Glass hall, ground floor)
Panel 3: Innovation and Knowledge for Inclusive Tourism – Best international practices (White hall, second floor)
13:50 – Conclusion of the conference (Glass hall, ground floor)
Takeaway messages from panels
Launch of the Scan right initiative
Conslusion and a thank you to sponsors
14:30 – Lunch and networking
Programme Overview
The conference will begin with an informal gathering and continue with a full-day programme that combines key note presentations, roundtable discussions, and opportunities for networking.
Evening Gathering – Monday, 2 June 2025
18:00 → Informal networking gathering and project marketplace
To warmly welcome all speakers and participants, we invite you to join us for an informal evening gathering on Monday, 2 June at 18:00 at Terme Vivat.
This relaxed pre-conference event will feature a tasting of awarded sparkling wines and traditional Slovenian food, offering a flavourful introduction to the Pomurje region.
Alongside the social programme, we will also host a Project Marketplace — a space where EU-funded projects will be presented through posters and materials, highlighting their key results and contributions to inclusive tourism and regional development. This is a valuable opportunity to explore potential synergies, learn from practical experiences, and initiate new connections across initiatives.
Conference and Networking – Tuesday, 3 June 2025
09:00–14:30 → Conference programme
The main conference will feature keynote speeches, expert contributions, and practical examples from the field of inclusive tourism. Speakers will address the role of accessibility in tourism investment, service quality, and community development. Particular focus will be placed on the relevance of inclusive tourism for rural and remote areas in the Danube region.
As part of the programme, a special moment will be dedicated to the official handover of portable induction hearing loop systems to healthcare institutions in the Pomurje region. This symbolic act, organised in collaboration with the CE-Spaces4All project, highlights the importance of practical steps toward greater accessibility in public services.
14:30–16:30 → Lunch and networking
Following the morning conference sessions, all participants are invited to stay for a networking lunch, served between 14:30 and 16:30.
This time is reserved for strengthening connections, exchanging reflections, and continuing conversations in an informal and friendly setting.
The networking lunch is an integral part of the programme, designed to build relationships among stakeholders from different sectors and countries of the Danube region.
Keynote Sessions:
Donation of portable induction hearing loop systems:
As part of the conference programme, a special moment will be dedicated to the official handover of portable induction hearing loop systems to regional healthcare institutions in Pomurje. The donation is made possible by the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia in the framework of the CE-Spaces4All project, and highlights the importance of concrete, practical steps toward greater accessibility — not only in tourism, but across public services and everyday life.
Panel Discussions:
Who Should Attend
This conference is intended for professionals and decision-makers who shape, support, or implement inclusive tourism, regional development, and social innovation in the Danube region and beyond, including:
This event offers a unique opportunity to connect across sectors and countries, exchange good practices, and co-create a shared vision for inclusive tourism in the Danube region.
True progress in inclusive tourism requires collaboration between policymakers, service providers, educators, and communities — and this conference is designed to bring them together in one shared space of learning, dialogue, and action.
Why Attend?
This conference is a unique opportunity to engage with tourism professionals, policy makers, and community leaders from across the Danube region. Through thought-provoking discussions, inspiring case studies, and meaningful networking, you will:
Whether you are shaping policy, delivering services, or inspiring change from the ground up — your voice matters here.
Practical Information
Venue:
Terme Vivat, Moravske Toplice, Slovenia
Participants of the conference can benefit from special accommodation rates offered by Hotel Terme Vivat, the conference venue.
After registering for the event, you will receive an email with details about the special rates and a reservation form. To secure your room, simply fill out the form you will receive and send it directly to the hotel.
We encourage early booking, as the number of rooms available at the special rate is limited.
Accessibility:
The venue is fully accessible.
Additional support (e.g., sign language interpretation) will be provided where needed.
Language:
The conference will be held in English.
Admission:
Free admission, registration is required.
Contact:
For questions or special requirements, please contact: nika@eventnika.si
Side Programme
In addition to the main conference, participants are invited to take part in one of the Amazon of Europe Study Tours, taking place before and after the event. These optional tours are designed to showcase how inclusive tourism is implemented on the ground, with a focus on authentic experiences, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.
The study tours offer an opportunity to:
Dates
Each tour offers a different thematic focus, from accessibility and rural development to cross-border cycling and nature-based tourism.
More details, itineraries and pricing will be made available soon. Study tours can be financed through certain EU projects or covered by participants.
We warmly encourage participants to extend their stay and experience how inclusive tourism creates real value — for communities, visitors, and the environment.
For side programme, please contact Petra: petra.klansek@iskriva.net
Ready to join us?
Secure your spot today and be part of the inclusive tourism movement.
Organisers, Partners and Sponsors
Organisers:
In cooperation with:
Sponsors:
