• develop an innovative rural tourism offer that would attract both Slovenian and foreign visitors to the project area, which would have a positive impact on job creation possibilities.
• bring beekeeping and the life of bees closer to children who are blind or visually impaired.
• help wheelchair users learn how to look after bees in an all-abilities access apiary with hives.
• raise awareness among new generations about Slovenian beekeeping traditions.

Activities

Project actions by the Slovenian Beekeeping Centre in Brdo pri Lukovici and the Levc Homestead in Dol pri Ljubljani involved:

• developing a digitalised nature trail including dedicated electronic devices, and the construction of an artificial enlarged beehive demonstration facility which serves as an educational tourist facility for demonstrating how to work with bees, obtain honey, inhale air inside a beehive to potentially gain health benefits, and raise awareness of the importance of bees, especially among children and people with special needs.
• organising workshops and tastings for children with special needs who could navigate the learning experience independently using the sensory electronic tablets designed for blind visitors and audio interpretation for visually impaired project users.
• arranging for food and drink at the Beehive Guesthouse to be ordered independently using the CAP-funded sensory electronic tablets.

• The primary outcome of this project is the development of an inclusive environment that fosters engagement with nature while simultaneously promoting awareness of the needs of disabled individuals.
• Project results help advancements in accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities, and the EU funds were used to introduce new information, educational resources, and tourism services tailored specifically for individuals facing various challenges.
• A new and innovative nature trail, synchronised with dedicated electronic devices providing information, education, and tourism services for people with disabilities and others. Integrating electronic devices along the trail enhances user experience by offering real-time navigation assistance, audio guides, and interactive content. This technological incorporation facilitates independent exploration and enriches educational opportunities for all users by providing diverse perspectives on local flora and fauna.
• The new imitation beehive tourist facility serves as an interactive and interpretative educational and visitor facility that can stimulate interest in environmental conservation among diverse populations.
• New cooperation between organisations helping blind and partially-sighted people, as well as local businesses and the wider rural community.
• Ultimately, the project's success could lead to increased tourism in the region as it positions itself as a model for other areas seeking to enhance accessibility in outdoor recreational spaces. The positive economic impact generated through increased visitor numbers would further underscore the importance of inclusivity in tourism development strategies.

Key lessons

• The importance of inclusive design underscores that accessibility features should be integrated from the outset to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully engage with the natural environment.
• Stakeholder collaboration is vital. Engaging local communities, advocacy groups, and experts throughout the planning phase fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that diverse needs are considered.
• Technology should enhance rather than detract from the natural experience; thus, careful consideration of device placement and functionality is essential.
• Continuous feedback mechanisms are crucial for iterative improvements. Gathering user experiences can inform adjustments to both the trail and technological components.
• Effective marketing strategies can broaden awareness among potential users beyond traditional demographics.
• Prioritising sustainability in project planning helps ensure long-term viability, and by embedding ecological considerations into both design and operation phases, projects can serve as models for future rural development achievements in eco-tourism and disability access.