The second Greek National Workshop under the SMART INCLUSION project was held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the premises of the cultural association Politistikes Apopeires (Cultural Efforts) in Nea Makri. Tailored to a local audience of 19 tourism professionals and association members, this workshop offered a focused exploration of how digitalisation can support inclusive tourism development at the community level. Its implementation marked another significant milestone, demonstrating the adaptability of the SMART INCLUSION training methodology to different professional contexts.

The workshop opened with an overview of the project’s mission and achievements. During the first session, the trainer presented the SMART INCLUSION Best Practices and the Guide, explaining how these resources can be used both by professionals and destination management organisations. The project website and communication channels were also introduced, providing participants with practical entry points for further engagement.

The second session delved into the realities of the Greek tourism landscape, examining how the country is progressing towards more accessible and digitally inclusive services. For a community like Nea Makri which is active in cultural tourism and alternative tourism promotion this discussion resonated strongly. Participants analysed examples of hotels and destinations that have begun integrating digital accessibility tools, and reflected on how similar approaches could support the local tourism identity of Nea Makri and Marathon.

The final segment of the workshop was an open fishbowl-style discussion, giving participants the opportunity to assess the relevance and usefulness of the SMART INCLUSION tools. The exchange revealed high levels of interest and engagement: many professionals expressed that they had not previously fully realised how central inclusiveness and accessibility are to modern tourism development. The workshop served as an eye-opener, highlighting how digital tools can enhance visitor experience, strengthen destination competitiveness, and support more sustainable forms of tourism.

The evaluation results reinforced these impressions. Participants emphasised the growing importance of digital competencies within the tourism workforce and noted that inclusive digital practices are still insufficiently integrated into professional training and daily operations. They found the SMART INCLUSION materials practical, inspiring, and directly applicable to their work, especially the Best Practices, which offered concrete examples of accessible and technologically enriched services.

An important outcome of the second workshop was the strengthened partnership between GV and Politistikes Apopeires. Motivated by the positive energy and feedback generated by the event, both organisations agreed to pursue further collaboration aimed at upskilling association members and supporting the development of inclusive tourism experiences in the Nea Makri region. Plans for additional training sessions and joint initiatives are already under discussion, marking an important legacy for the SMART INCLUSION project at the local level.

By engaging an active, community-rooted audience, the second workshop demonstrated how inclusive digital tourism can be understood, adapted, and implemented in smaller destinations. It showcased the power of local networks, shared learning, and practical tools in shaping a more accessible and forward-looking tourism ecosystem in Greece.