A year ago, we opened the topic of accessibility in tourism in an article, showing that welcoming visitors with disabilities does not have to be complicated – as long as they have access to clear and truthful information. Since then, the topic has moved forward significantly in the South Moravian Region, primarily thanks to the systematic work carried out within the European project CE-Spaces4All, which provides service providers with practical tools and expert support.
Znojmo Region shows that it can be done
The Znojmo region has become a key driver of this change. Many local service providers have truly embraced accessibility, and today this area features the highest concentration of venues with a completed and published Accessibility Guide – across accommodation, gastronomy and tourist attractions.
Accessibility Guides offer a structured overview of barrier-free access and other accessibility aspects. They help visitors plan their trips according to their individual needs while enabling service providers to build trust. Experience shows that people actively look for this information – often starting with the wheelchair icon, but ultimately relying on clear and detailed descriptions.
Among the first to get involved in the Znojmo region were hotels that now serve as inspiring examples of good practice. Accessibility Guides have been published, for example, by:
- Premium Hotel Znojmo
- Hotel and Restaurant U císařské cesty
- Hotel Happy Star, which recorded increased interest from guests with accessibility requirements after publishing its Accessibility Guide
- Hotel Savannah
- Hotel Jukebox
- Hájenka pod větrníky
These businesses confirm that open and transparent communication about accessibility is not a risk, but an opportunity – one that pays off both in terms of visitor numbers and reputation.
Accessibility extends to restaurants and heritage sites
Importantly, accessibility is not limited to accommodation alone. In the Znojmo region and beyond, restaurants, bistros and cultural institutions are also getting involved. Accessibility Guides have been published, for example, by:
- Bistrograf
- Restaurant U kulatého stolu
- Villa Löw-Beer in Brno, where the Accessibility Guide is clearly accessible directly from the homepage
- South Moravian Museum in Znojmo – Minorite Monastery
In addition, there are many other venues that already have an Accessibility Guide prepared and are currently addressing its publication or the technical aspects of displaying it on their websites. This further underlines that accessibility is a process, not a one-off task.
Free tools and support
All of these Accessibility Guides are created using the Information Portal for Service Providers, developed within the CE-Spaces4All project. The portal offers free step-by-step guidance tailored to different types of venues, practical examples, and expert methodological support. The professional guarantor for people with limited mobility is the Czech Paraplegic Association – CZEPA, z. s.
Final webinar: 22 January
The project team is now offering the final practical online webinar, How to Create an Accessibility Guide. It is intended for all service providers who wish to reach customers requiring accessible services – including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with prams. The webinar will take place on 22 January from 10:00 to 10:45 and is free of charge. Register here or via the QR code in the image.
Experiences from the Znojmo region and other parts of the South Moravian Region show that accessibility is neither a marginal issue nor a short-term trend. When visitors have access to clear and truthful information, they can make independent and confident decisions. Accessibility Guides are thus becoming a standard part of a high-quality tourism offer – and at the same time a tool that helps the region become more open and competitive. So don’t be afraid to take the first step and start mapping your accessibility!