PRIORITY 3 - Support & upgrade of health & social services
TX4ALL -Accessibility and inclusion for all to public tourism assets & services is a cross-border initiative aimed at transforming the tourism sector into a more inclusive and accessible experience for all. Responding to persistent challenges of social exclusion and limited access, particularly for elderly individuals and people with disabilities, the project proposes a comprehensive model of inclusive tourism development.
The project focuses on two key regions: Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia, Greece, and the broader Southeastern Planning Region in North Macedonia, including Strumica and the Doiran Lake area. These locations will serve as focal points for physical interventions, technological upgrades and training programmes designed to ensure full accessibility to public tourism assets and services.
TX4ALL targets a wide range of beneficiaries. These include elderly tourists, people with disabilities or chronic conditions, and their families and companions. Additionally, tourism professionals, local businesses, public authorities, and unemployed individuals in the region are also expected to benefit, particularly through new training opportunities, capacity building, and job creation.
A major component of the project is the installation of innovative accessibility infrastructure. In Thessaloniki, over 200 smart pedestrian crossings will be equipped with audio-enabled systems to assist visually impaired individuals. Public buildings will be fitted with navigation systems for users with limited mobility or vision, while new, universally accessible signage will be installed in tourism sites across both countries. In the Doiran Lake area, a fully inclusive beach will be developed, complete with adapted infrastructure and mobility support. Meanwhile, Strumica will see the introduction of ramps, lifts and electric mobility vehicles to enable full participation in cultural and recreational activities.
To support independent travel planning and better information dissemination, TX4ALL will conduct extensive accessibility audits and create a multilingual Visitors Guide. This will help tourists identify and navigate inclusive routes and points of interest before and during their visit.
Beyond infrastructure, the project places strong emphasis on awareness and capacity building. It will provide specialized training for tourism professionals to improve their understanding of accessibility needs and launch a pilot consulting program to support businesses entering the accessible tourism sector. These efforts are designed to foster entrepreneurship and promote job opportunities, particularly for people with disabilities.
Finally, TX4ALL will implement a joint branding and international promotion strategy, positioning the cross-border region as a leading destination for inclusive tourism. Through coordinated campaigns and digital tools, the project aims to reach emerging global markets, attract new visitor segments and extend tourism activity into lesser-known areas and off-peak seasons.
In doing so, TX4ALL not only enhances the accessibility of the tourism offer but also contributes to sustainable economic development, regional cooperation, and social inclusion across the Greece–North Macedonia border region.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries