The successful completion of the trainings in Bologna, Italy, marks a defining moment for the DigAccess Agrotourism project. More than a training milestone, the sessions represent the beginning of a structured European effort to strengthen the accessibility, digital readiness, and long-term sustainability of rural and agrotourism enterprises.
Held in January 2026 in a city internationally recognised for its educational heritage and innovation-driven environment, the trainings gathered mentors and representatives from partner organisations committed to supporting rural SMEs. Over several intensive days, participants engaged in collaborative learning experiences focused on two strategic pillars: accessibility and digitalisation.
Responding to the Changing Landscape of Rural Tourism
Rural and agrotourism SMEs operate in a rapidly evolving context. Visitor expectations are shifting, digital platforms increasingly shape travel decisions, and accessibility standards are becoming both a legal and ethical imperative. At the same time, many small enterprises face structural limitations: limited digital expertise, restricted resources, and a lack of specialised guidance.
The Bologna sessions addressed these challenges directly. Through expert-led workshops, peer exchanges, case analysis, and practical demonstrations, mentors were equipped with tools to assess digital accessibility gaps, improve online communication practices, and guide SMEs in implementing inclusive solutions. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding accessibility not as an obligation, but as a strategic opportunity to diversify customer bases, enhance brand reputation, and increase resilience in competitive markets.
Participants explored universal design principles, accessible website structures, inclusive content creation, and practical digital tools tailored to small rural businesses. Importantly, discussions highlighted how digital transformation and accessibility must go hand in hand. A digitally advanced enterprise that is not accessible remains exclusionary; an accessible enterprise without digital visibility remains invisible. The integration of both dimensions is essential.
From Knowledge to Action: A European Network of Prepared Mentors
One of the strongest outcomes of the training is the establishment of a coordinated, well-prepared mentor network across Europe. The training emphasised practical applicability: mentors worked through real-life scenarios faced by agrotourism operators, analysed barriers to implementation, and co-developed support pathways adaptable to different national contexts.
Beyond technical knowledge, the sessions reinforced the importance of collaborative guidance. Mentors are not external auditors; they are facilitators of growth. Their role is to work alongside SMEs, identify achievable improvements, and support gradual transformation aligned with each enterprise’s capacity and vision.
This European dimension is central to DigAccess Agrotourism. Rural tourism may be local in character, but its competitiveness and sustainability depend increasingly on cross-border knowledge exchange and shared standards. The training fostered exactly that: a shared framework for action rooted in practical realities.
The Next Phase: Recruitment of Agrotourism SMEs
With the completion of the Bologna training, the project now enters its next decisive phase: the recruitment of agrotourism SMEs that are ready to strengthen their digital and accessibility capacity.
DigAccess Agrotourism invites rural and agrotourism enterprises to collaborate with our trained mentors and benefit from structured, tailored support. Participating SMEs will gain access to personalised guidance designed to help them: improve the accessibility of their websites, booking systems, and digital communication channels, enhance online visibility and customer engagement strategies, align their services with inclusive tourism standards and good practices, and strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, among others.
Importantly, participation in the project provides more than technical adjustments. It offers strategic positioning. Accessible and digitally capable enterprises are better equipped to attract diverse visitor groups, including people with disabilities, older travellers, families, and international tourists who increasingly prioritise inclusive and responsible destinations.
For rural businesses, this transformation can translate into increased bookings, improved customer satisfaction, stronger reputation, and long-term sustainability.
Building a More Inclusive and Resilient Rural Tourism Ecosystem
DigAccess Agrotourism operates on the understanding that accessibility and digitalisation are not peripheral enhancements; they are foundational elements of future-ready tourism. Rural areas hold immense cultural, environmental, and economic value. Ensuring that their tourism enterprises are inclusive and digitally visible is not only beneficial for individual SMEs but for entire regional ecosystems.
The trainings in Bologna laid the groundwork. Equipped with expertise, practical methodologies, and a shared European vision, mentors are now ready to accompany agrotourism SMEs on a path towards measurable improvement and sustainable growth.
The journey continues and we warmly invite agrotourism enterprises to take this next step with us. By working together, we can shape a rural tourism sector that is more accessible, more innovative, and more resilient across Europe.
For more information, you can contact us at anna.argyrou@eurosc.eu