Paving the Way for Inclusive Rural Tourism: The DigAccessAgrotourism Framework is Here!

We’re excited to share a major milestone in the DigAccessAgrotourism project - the official publication of our Framework for Digital Transition & Accessibility in Agrotourism Organisations! Developed through months of collaborative research and analysis, this Framework sets the foundation for empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Enabling Organisations (EOs) operating in the tourism sector of rural areas across Europe to embrace digital innovation with the ultimate goal of becoming more inclusive and accessible to all.

Whether you're a cooperative, local tourism body, social enterprise, or rural SME, this Framework is designed to guide your journey toward a digitally confident, accessible future.

What is the Framework All About?

The Framework is the result of extensive fieldwork across five countries: Portugal, Poland, Cyprus, Greece, and Italyinvolving 24 EOs and 113 rural SMEs. It investigates the current landscape of accessibility and digital readiness in rural tourism and identifies common challenges, local gaps, and bright spots of innovation.

It provides:

• A transnational comparison of accessibility and digital needs
• An assessment of readiness among tourism actors to embrace digital tools
• Practical examples of good practices, tools, and methodologies
• A foundation for capacity-building sessions, mentoring, and tailored digital support plans for rural SMEs
• Insights into how digital tools like VR (Virtual Reality), IoT (Internet of Things), and accessible website design can open new tourism markets and foster inclusion

The message is clear: Digital tools are not just optional enhancements, rather they’re a bridge to accessible, sustainable tourism that benefits both local economies and diverse visitors.

Why Does This Matter?

Rural tourism has untapped potential. Yet, many SMEs in this sector face barriers to adopting digital solutions or making their services accessible — not due to lack of willingness, but due to limited resources, technical knowledge, or clear guidance.

This Framework fills that gap.

By aligning with the European Accessibility Act, the Social Economy Action Plan, and the Digital Compass 2030, the DigAccessAgrotourism Framework responds to real needs with practical tools, opening doors for:

• Better visitor experiences for people with disabilities
• Enhanced accessible digital presence and accessibility audits for rural SMEs
• New funding and innovation opportunities in accessible tourism
• Greater social impact through inclusive business practices

What Comes Next?

This is only the beginning. The Framework will now guide the next phases of the project, including:

• Capacity-building programmes for Enabling Organisations (EOs)
• Tailored digital support plans for SMEs
• Training sessions on accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technology
• National demo events and a transnational hackathon, bringing together tourism professionals and tech innovators to co-create solutions!

Access the Framework

The Framework is now available in English and will soon be available in Greek, Polish, Italian, and Portuguese, and it’s free to download from our website.

Visit the Framework page to explore the full document and see how your organisation can benefit.

Join the Movement

The future of rural tourism is inclusive, digital, and community driven. With this Framework, we’re not just adapting to change; we’re leading it.

Let’s make rural tourism accessible for all, together.