Universal Design to build a more inclusive touristic ecosystem. The SITE project approach

Despite accessible tourism is considered a niche market, there is evidence to show that it is gradually growing and is expected to increase worldwide in response to changes in society and increasing opportunities. The raising demand for accessible tourism, tailored to accommodate the highest number of people, represents a key driver for the tourism sector and a great business opportunity. More inclusive tourist destinations allow expanding and diversifying the number of customers (including people with special needs and requirements such as families, children, elderly, and person with disabilities) and overcome the seasonality of tourism flows. The paper will introduce the first results of the undergoing project SITE - Shaping Inclusive Tourist Experiences, developed within the Interreg Program Italy-Croatia 2021-2027. The project appoints UD as the approach to follow for making tourist destinations “universally welcoming” and it aims to increase the attractiveness of tourist destinations in the Program area, by promoting social inclusion, participation and sharing, also using ICTs to reduce any barrier that limits the access to people with disabilities or other needs, as families and the elderly, favoring non-discriminatory solutions. The focus will address three key steps that characterize a tourist experience: a) searching for information before leaving, b) orienting oneself once at the destination, c) enjoying public spaces and services. Those key steps will be tested in 4 different pilot sites adopting specific tools and solutions, to assess the compliance of the 7 UD principles by involving stakeholders and local target groups.