International Conference on Inclusive Tourism in Moravske Toplice<\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/div>Practical solutions and inspiring examples from the Danube Region<\/strong><\/p>\nOn 3 June 2025<\/strong>, 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)<\/strong> project, the event brought together nearly 100 experts, decision-makers, tourism professionals, NGO representatives, and educators from nine countries.<\/p>\nInclusive tourism as a driver of sustainable development<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nTourism 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 \u2013 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?<\/span><\/p>\nInclusive tourism is not just a matter of social responsibility \u2013 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\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\nKeynote speakers from across Europe and beyond<\/strong><\/p>\nThe morning programme featured four inspiring keynote speeches.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/i><\/span><\/div>Irina Cozma<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n(Ministry of Development, Romania) highlighted how the EU Strategy for the Danube Region supports projects focused on inclusion through tourism and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>Ur\u0161ka Dolinar<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n(Institute Iskriva, Slovenia) presented the inclusive tourism development in the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>Mihael Fend<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n(Styrian Thermen&Vulkanland, Austria) shared the story of transforming a rural region into an authentic thermal destination.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>Kristy Durso<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n(USA), founder of Incredible Memories Travel and ambassador of TravelAbility, spoke about building a culture of inclusion in tourism through her lived experience as a wheelchair user and mother of children with disabilities.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>When accessibility becomes action: donation of hearing loops<\/strong><\/p>\nA special moment of the event was the donation of portable induction hearing loops<\/strong> to regional healthcare institutions in Pomurje, made possible by the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia<\/strong> as part of the CE-Spaces4<\/strong>All project. This symbolic and practical gesture highlights the value of accessibility \u2013 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.<\/p>\nPanel discussions: from practice to vision<\/strong><\/p>\nThree parallel panel sessions explored different aspects of inclusive tourism:<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/i><\/span><\/div>Panel 1: Tourism Investment for Locals and Visitors <\/h2><\/div><\/div>featured success stories from Moldova, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia, emphasising community involvement and local value creation.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/span><\/div>Panel 2: How to Develop and Sell the Danube Region as an Inclusive and Regenerative Destination<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\nfocused on blending culture, gastronomy, and inclusion to create sustainable tourism products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>Panel 3: Innovation and Knowledge for Inclusive Tourism<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\nshowcased international best practices combining technology, heritage, and accessibility \u2013 from wine tasting for the blind in Brda to barrier-free museum experiences in the Karst region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Launch of the \u201cScan Right\u201d initiative<\/strong><\/p>\nIn the concluding part of the conference, participants were introduced to the innovative Scan Right<\/a> 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.<\/p>\nAbout the project<\/p>\n
The conference was part of the Inclusive Border Cycling<\/a> (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.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/lite-youtube><\/div><\/div>Photos from the conference<\/h2><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1.jpg\" "\\"1\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2.jpg\" "\\"2\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3.jpg\" "\\"3\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>
Practical solutions and inspiring examples from the Danube Region<\/strong><\/p>\n On 3 June 2025<\/strong>, 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)<\/strong> project, the event brought together nearly 100 experts, decision-makers, tourism professionals, NGO representatives, and educators from nine countries.<\/p>\n Inclusive tourism as a driver of sustainable development<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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 \u2013 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?<\/span><\/p>\n Inclusive tourism is not just a matter of social responsibility \u2013 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\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Keynote speakers from across Europe and beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n The morning programme featured four inspiring keynote speeches.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> (Ministry of Development, Romania) highlighted how the EU Strategy for the Danube Region supports projects focused on inclusion through tourism and culture.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> (Institute Iskriva, Slovenia) presented the inclusive tourism development in the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> (Styrian Thermen&Vulkanland, Austria) shared the story of transforming a rural region into an authentic thermal destination.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> (USA), founder of Incredible Memories Travel and ambassador of TravelAbility, spoke about building a culture of inclusion in tourism through her lived experience as a wheelchair user and mother of children with disabilities. When accessibility becomes action: donation of hearing loops<\/strong><\/p>\n A special moment of the event was the donation of portable induction hearing loops<\/strong> to regional healthcare institutions in Pomurje, made possible by the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia<\/strong> as part of the CE-Spaces4<\/strong>All project. This symbolic and practical gesture highlights the value of accessibility \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Panel discussions: from practice to vision<\/strong><\/p>\n Three parallel panel sessions explored different aspects of inclusive tourism:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> focused on blending culture, gastronomy, and inclusion to create sustainable tourism products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> showcased international best practices combining technology, heritage, and accessibility \u2013 from wine tasting for the blind in Brda to barrier-free museum experiences in the Karst region.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Launch of the \u201cScan Right\u201d initiative<\/strong><\/p>\n In the concluding part of the conference, participants were introduced to the innovative Scan Right<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n About the project<\/p>\n The conference was part of the Inclusive Border Cycling<\/a> (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.Irina Cozma<\/h2><\/div>
Ur\u0161ka Dolinar<\/h2><\/div>
Mihael Fend<\/h2><\/div>
Kristy Durso<\/h2><\/div>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>Panel 1: Tourism Investment for Locals and Visitors <\/h2><\/div>
Panel 2: How to Develop and Sell the Danube Region as an Inclusive and Regenerative Destination<\/h2><\/div>
Panel 3: Innovation and Knowledge for Inclusive Tourism<\/h2><\/div>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Photos from the conference<\/h2><\/div>
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4.jpg\" "\\"4\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5.jpg\" "\\"5\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/6.jpg\" "\\"6\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/7.jpg\" "\\"7\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/8.jpg\" "\\"8\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/9.jpg\" "\\"9\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/10.jpg\" "\\"10\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/11.jpg\" "\\"11\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/12.jpg\" "\\"12\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/13.jpg\" "\\"13\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/14.jpg\" "\\"14\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/15.jpg\" "\\"15\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/16.jpg\" "\\"16\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/17.jpg\" "\\"17\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/18.jpg\" "\\"18\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/19.jpg\" "\\"19\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/20.jpg\" "\\"20\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/21.jpg\" "\\"21\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/22.jpg\" "\\"22\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/23.jpg\" "\\"23\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/24.jpg\" "\\"24\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/25.jpg\" "\\"25\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/26.jpg\" "\\"26\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/27.jpg\" "\\"27\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/iskriva.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/28.jpg\" "\\"28\\"")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>