SMART INCLUSION: Building Capacity for Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism

Tourism has the power to connect people, cultures, and communities, but it must be welcoming, safe, and meaningful for everyone. The SMART INCLUSION project (Capacity Building for SMART Tourism and Inclusive Destinations) aims to make that vision a reality by helping destinations and professionals embrace inclusion, sustainability, and digital innovation as core values of the tourism experience.

Building on the success of the previous SMART Project, which focused on the digital transformation of tourism, SMART INCLUSION takes the next step toward integrating accessibility and social inclusion at the heart of tourism development.

The project supports tourism professionals, SMEs, public authorities, and educators in developing the skills and tools needed to make tourism not only smarter but also more inclusive and environmentally responsible.

By combining digital tools, accessible design, and green practices, SMART INCLUSION seeks to create resilient destinations that offer equal opportunities to all travellers — including people with disabilities or fewer opportunities — while generating value for hosts and local communities.

SMART INCLUSION focuses on four key goals:

  • Promote inclusive tourism practices to ensure equal access for all travellers, regardless of ability or background.

  • Support digital transformation among tourism stakeholders to develop safer, smarter, and more sustainable destinations.

  • Encourage environmentally friendly practices that strengthen the resilience and sustainability of tourism ecosystems.

  • Build capacity among SMEs, professionals, and public authorities through training, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

 

The project delivers several tangible outcomes designed to support the tourism ecosystem’s transition toward inclusion and sustainability:

1. SMART Inclusive Toolkit

A comprehensive collection of tools, best practices, and case studies showcasing innovative ways to implement inclusive, digital, and green solutions in tourism destinations. The toolkit helps professionals and policymakers translate inclusion into practical action.

2. Community of Stakeholders

SMART INCLUSION builds a collaborative network of tourism SMEs, public authorities, educators, and local partners engaged in accessibility, sustainability, and digitalisation. This community fosters ongoing peer-to-peer learning and joint action to promote responsible tourism practices.

3. SMART Workshops and Webinars

Through hands-on workshops, webinars, and events, the project provides capacity-building opportunities for tourism professionals. These sessions explore inclusive design, digital innovation, and environmentally friendly operations — creating a space for shared experiences and innovative thinking.

4. SMART Guide for Inclusive Tourism

A comprehensive guidebook compiling methodologies, training materials, and practical recommendations for destinations aiming to integrate inclusion and sustainability into their strategies. The guide supports local authorities and tourism organisations in developing policies that serve all travellers while strengthening local communities.

 

SMART INCLUSION connects partners and professionals across Europe to strengthen the tourism sector’s capacity for innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. The project empowers stakeholders to rethink how tourism is designed and delivered — ensuring that every visitor, resident, and destination can benefit equally from its growth.

Through this initiative, EURAKOM and its partners reaffirm their commitment to building a tourism industry that embraces people, planet, and technology in harmony.


SMART INCLUSION – Capacity Building for SMART Tourism and Inclusive Destinations
 Project Number: 2023-2-ES01-KA210-VET-000184968
 Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.