The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine is implementing the flagship project «Movement without Barriers» as part of First Lady Olena Zelenska’s initiative, which is also part of the National Barrier-Free Strategy until 2030. With the aim of presenting and promoting best practices for the development of inclusive and barrier-free tourism in Ukraine, the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Marketing and Tourism Department of the Vinnytsia City Council, organized a study tour entitled «Implementation of Barrier-Free Solutions in Tourism» in the city of Vinnytsia. Representatives of structural units of regional and city administrations from all over the country responsible for the implementation of tourism policy were invited to participate. Donetsk Oblast was represented by Viktoria Tochena, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration.
During the study tour, participants learned about Vinnytsia’s experience in creating a barrier-free urban space for citizens with different needs. In particular, participants had the opportunity to see the implementation of the «Pottery in the Dark» project at the «Ethno Chary» art space, which aims to enable people with visual impairments, including those who have lost their sight as a result of the war, to learn pottery.
The experience presented in Vinnytsia is of great social importance and will serve as a basis for the implementation of similar solutions in the Donetsk region, in particular when planning new cultural and tourist routes after the end of hostilities and the de-occupation of territories. We all realize that in the context of a full-scale war, the main state priority is the defense and support of the front. At the same time, the issue of accessibility cannot be secondary or postponed for the long term. On the contrary, it is the war that has made it even more relevant. And this is a matter of justice, community awareness, and respect for citizens. It is a contribution to creating conditions for the full integration of wounded military personnel and veterans into their communities. Such initiatives are very important for the development of modern, inclusive, and open tourism in Ukraine.