At the end of January 2026, a pilot testing of an accessible tourism product for persons with disabilities took place in Brežice and Zaprešić. The product was developed within the cross-border project ENVIRO – Experiencing Sustainable Tourism to Encourage Change, implemented under the Interreg Slovenia–Croatia programme.
The pilot testing was carried out in cooperation with the Croatian institute URIHO, which provides rehabilitation and employment services for persons with disabilities. Through their direct user experience, participants made an important contribution to assessing the actual accessibility, usability, and quality of the tourism product under development.
At the start of the testing in Brežice, participants were welcomed by Mayor Ivan Molan, who emphasized the importance of cross-border projects as opportunities for development, access to additional funding, and the creation of added value for the local environment. He highlighted that the ENVIRO project demonstrates the readiness of both Brežice and Zaprešić to cooperate and to include persons with various forms of disabilities in tourism and social processes.
The pilot testing offered participants a comprehensive cross-border experience that connects the cultural, natural, and energy heritage of both destinations, with a particular focus on accessibility, sustainability, and inclusion. In Slovenia, participants visited the Brežice Hydropower Plant, which operates within the HESS group and represents an important example of linking energy infrastructure with tourism interpretation. This was followed by a visit to the Posavje Museum Brežice, where participants were welcomed by Director Alenka Černelič Krošelj. A tasting of local wines also took place in the Castle Wine Cellar. Participants experienced local cuisine at Gostilna Pension Les and accessible accommodation at Terme Paradiso.
The second day of testing was dedicated to accessible tourism content in Zaprešić, where participants visited Novi dvori and the Lužnica Manor. The culinary experience took place at Restaurant Bonaca. Due to adverse weather conditions, the visit to Lake Zajarki was cancelled. All transportation during the testing was provided by an electric van adapted for persons with disabilities, acquired within the ENVIRO project.
The completed pilot testing represents an important step in the development of accessible and sustainable tourism and contributes to the creation of tourism products that are adapted to a wider range of users and based on the real needs of persons with disabilities.
