{"id":11819,"date":"2025-02-04T12:31:17","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T11:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.si-hu.eu\/2127\/?p=11819"},"modified":"2025-08-12T12:29:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T10:29:54","slug":"new-directions-in-sustainable-tourism-training-series-in-the-icdm-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.si-hu.eu\/2127\/2025\/02\/04\/new-directions-in-sustainable-tourism-training-series-in-the-icdm-project\/","title":{"rendered":"New Directions in Sustainable Tourism: Training Series in the ICDM project"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sustainable and accessible tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the tourism sector. In response to this, the three-session training series of the “Innovative Cycling Destination Model Development in the Slovenian-Hungarian Border Region” (ICDM) project, funded by the Slovenia-Hungary Program, was launched. The aim of the training was to expand the knowledge of tourism service providers, civil organizations, and municipalities. During the program, three certification standards were introduced, focusing on the development of cycling-friendly, sustainable, and accessible tourism.<\/p>\n

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Focus on Cycling-Friendly Services<\/em><\/p>\n

The first training took place on November 27, 2024, in Lenti. Participants gained insight into current trends in cycling tourism, explored the existing cycling infrastructure of the region, and learned about expected developments in the coming years. The central topic of the event was the introduction of the National Cycling-Friendly Service Network. The training covered the process of joining the network, its criteria, and its benefits, along with a demonstration of the app developed directly for this purpose. Examples of tourism service providers already part of the network were also presented. To conclude the day, participants received practical advice on the fundamental principles of cycling trail planning.<\/p>\n

Sustainable Tourism in Slovenia<\/em><\/p>\n

The second training was held on December 11, 2024, in Radenci, Slovenia, where attendees were introduced to the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. This system provides concrete tools and guidelines for tourism service providers and destinations to effectively assess and enhance their sustainability efforts. The training offered a detailed overview of the certification system’s structure, criteria, and the core principles of sustainable tourism. Special attention was given to reducing water and energy consumption, minimizing the use of plastics and other single-use products, improving waste management, and reducing food waste.<\/p>\n

Accessible Tourism and Innovation<\/em><\/p>\n

The third and final session of the training series took place on January 22, 2025, in K\u00f6rmend, focusing on the Access4You certification system. The event aimed to provide tourism service providers and project partners with deeper insights into accessible tourism. Particular emphasis was placed on the specific needs of people with disabilities, as well as ensuring the accessible presentation of natural and cultural assets. The training also introduced innovative solutions in cycling tourism that can help service providers expand and improve their offerings.<\/p>\n

Developing a New, Comprehensive Certification Standard<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the training series, the next step will be the development of a new certification standard. This system will be based on and aligned with the principles of the three existing standards: Hungary\u2019s National Cycling-Friendly Service Network, Slovenia\u2019s Green Scheme, and the Access4You accessibility certification.<\/p>\n

A handbook will also be created for Slovenian and Hungarian tourism service providers, containing the materials covered in the training sessions, best practices presented, and guidelines for implementing accessibility measures. This resource will allow participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in the future and gain valuable insights on how to provide cycling-friendly, green, and accessible services.<\/p>\n

Photos by ICDM<\/p>\n

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