(24.04.2026)
The TACT – Training for Accessible Cultural Tourism project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, brought together project partners and professionals from Slovenia, Serbia and Bulgaria for an enriching study visit in Bulgaria from 20-22 April, dedicated to advancing accessibility in cultural tourism across Europe.

The visit kicked off with a Project Partners' Meeting, providing an opportunity for all participating organisations to align on project goals, share updates, and set the stage for the days ahead, followed by an intensive Training of Trainers workshop. Participants explored funding opportunities and developed practical project ideas for accessible tourism — from physical adaptations to digital solutions and service innovations. Groups worked collaboratively to outline concrete project concepts tailored to their local contexts.

The afternoon brought a series of highly valuable site visits, each illustrating a different dimension of accessibility in cultural heritage:

• Cultural Centre "Jul Paskin" offered an inspiring showcase of good practices in accessibility, as demonstrated in a newly developed cultural site.
• Ethnographic Museum "The Cross Barracks" provided an honest look at the real challenges and barriers that older heritage sites face in meeting modern accessibility standards.
• House of Culture Prosveta 1937 combined culinary tourism with cultural experience, highlighting inclusive initiatives from an often underrepresented region.
• Winery Bononia Estate rounded off the visits by presenting an integrated model of wine production, tourism services, and inclusive visitor experiences designed for diverse groups.

The meeting was concluded with professional exchange and systemic thinking. A workshop brought together local cultural heritage and tourism professionals to discuss real-world solutions to accessibility challenges. This was followed by meetings with policymakers and accessibility advocates, focusing on regulatory frameworks and existing funding mechanisms.

The sessions culminated in a thematic discussion on "Challenges and Barriers in Accessible Tourism", giving all participants the chance to reflect on lessons learned and identify actionable steps for their own organisations and regions.

The Bulgaria study visit proved to be a rich and multifaceted experience — blending hands-on learning, field visits, and policy dialogue. The TACT project continues to build a strong European network of professionals committed to making cultural tourism more inclusive and accessible for all.

The TACT project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.