AHTour2022
12 - 14 May 2022
1st International Conference & Exhibition on Accessible Heritage Tourism
AHTour2022
in the framework of the project “Pathways of accessible heritage tourism (Access2Heritage)”, funded by the Interreg V-A “Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020” Programme
Welcome note
The International Hellenic University, in close collaboration with the: Management Body of Rodopi Mountain-Range National Park, the Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Volvi, the Local Economic Development Agency – Razlog, the National Confederation of Disabled People of Greece, the Union of Disabled People in Bulgaria, the Ecoworld Rhodopes Association and the Regional Youth Parliament Association – Kardzhali, is organizing the “1st International Conference & Exhibition on Accessible Heritage Tourism (AHTour2022)”, in the framework of the project “Pathways of accessible heritage tourism (Access2Heritage)”, funded by the Interreg V-A “Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020” Programme.
The event aims at achieving a common vision for the creation of destinations for all, rich of natural and cultural heritage attractions and accessible for both visitors and residents with disabilities, chronic diseases, elderly people and generally individuals with mobility difficulties.
We truly believe that accessible tourism, apart from a human rights imperative, it has an exceptional impact to local communities and entrepreneurship, representing a prerequisite towards a sustainable future. Therefore, the Access Heritage project partners highly support the organization of the event, with the ultimate aim of establishing a long-lasting series of conferences in the topic. AHTour2022 is only the beginning…
The AHTour2022 Organizing Committee
Α few words about the project
The "Pathways of Accessible Heritage Tourism (Access2Heritage)" project aims to improve the accessibility of natural and cultural heritage within the Greece-Bulgaria Cross Border Area and to collect and promote internationally accurate information for senior tourists and tourists with disabilities and their families. The project is aiming to develop a series of actions and tools to support the improvement of the tourist product and relevant services of both areas by developing the heritage resources and improving their accessibility to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility in general, in the frame of the common goal of the cross-border region for sustainability. The proposed actions through the improvement of the accessibility of the significant natural and cultural heritage of the Cross Border region aim to attract a so far underestimated but now emerging tourism market's segment, that of tourists with disabilities and reduced mobility in general -already recognized at international level as qualitative and loyal tourists- who thus could enjoy a complete and memorable tourist experience.
The Project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and by national funds of the countries participating in the Interreg V-A 'Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020' Cooperation Programme.
Structure of the Conference
The “1st International Conference & Exhibition on Accessible Heritage Tourism (AHTour2022)” conference is organized as a three-days event.
Day One and Day Two of the conference are allocated to the scientific part of the event. Within the conference program, 30-minute keynote speeches will be delivered, followed by scientific sessions with 15-minute presentations. The scientific part of the conference will close with a Round Table Session, in which keynote speakers will share their views on accessible heritage tourism with delegates from public authorities and Unions / NGOs from Greece and Bulgaria, together with representatives from the business sector.
Day Three of the conference will put emphasis on business collaboration within the field of accessible heritage tourism. B2B meeting will be organized in the framework of the AHTour2022 event. The conference’s program will conclude with a field trip in the area of Paranesti, Drama, Greece, where participants will have the opportunity to visit local sites and have a direct overlook of the project results.
