Sign ‘Hiker-Friendly’. Environmental accessibility for people with mobility and vision impairments - Baltic region

In the tourism industry, a ‘Hiker-Friendly’ sticker/sign is an effective way to show a target group they are welcome. Such signs are recognisable all over the world, and when they see them, it is clear to the traveller that their needs will be understood here.

Within the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Programme 2021-2027 framework, project No. EE-LV00043 ‘Development of Accessible Tourism Routes’ (Access Routes), criteria have been developed for receiving the ‘Hiker-Friendly’ sign, which is applicable to any tourism service provider. Any private tourism service provider or TIC in the Baltic States that wants to be ‘friendly’ to walkers by offering services necessary for this target group can obtain the hiker-friendly sign.

The ‘Hiker-Friendly’ businesses can also obtain two additional accessibility specialisations: Wheelchair accessible and visually accessible.

Ten criteria have been set for receiving these signs:

1. The company’s ads and informational materials indicate that services are available for people with functional limitations.
2. The venue has an appropriate car park with signs indicating that it is accessible to people using wheelchairs.
3. The entrance to the building is wheelchair-accessible and also accessible for people with other functional limitations, including senior citizens. An entrance ramp can be installed, and thresholds can be kept low or adapted to people’s needs.
4. Interior rooms and doorways are broad and without thresholds so that people with functional limitations can use them.
5. Services for people with functional limitations are available on the ground floor of the building. If services are also offered on other floors, a lift must be available.
6. Hygienic facilities, lavatories and showers are adapted to the needs of people with functional limitations.
7. Inventory and equipment are comfortable, functional, safe and accessible for people with functional limitations.
8. The venue’s employees can provide advice and assistance to people with functional limitations insofar as possible.
9. Interior rooms can accommodate service dogs.
10. In the case of an emergency, people with functional limitations can safely evacuate the space themselves or with the help of employees.

The criteria for tourism service providers are explained, and the appendix includes best practice accessibility guidelines in tourism and culture in visual images. criteria for tourism service providers.

Disclaimer:
Accessible EU is not responsible for the accessibility of content provided by third parties.