From 25 to 29 November, Kurzeme tourism representatives, including tourism development specialists, municipal representatives, and volunteer movement experts, visited Norway to learn about the importance of volunteer initiatives and practical solutions in developing tourism infrastructure and promoting nature accessibility.
During the visit, participants:
- Hiked to Dagsturhytta Øyliblikk in Kristiansand, where Norway’s volunteer engagement model was showcased. More information: https://ut.no/hytte/101184324/yliblikk-dagsturhytta-i-kristiansand-kommune
- Visited Lindesnes Lighthouse, gaining insights into the modernisation and accessibility of historic sites to ensure year-round visitor flow. More information: https://lindesnesfyr.no
- Met with Den Norske Turistforening (DNT), an organisation uniting over 330,000 members, responsible for maintaining hiking trails, day cabins, and providing nature safety training. More information: https://dnt.no
- Explored Daytrip Cabin projects, which promote public health and engagement by offering accessible nature cabins, including for people with disabilities. More information: https://dagsturhytta.no
- Collaborated with Hold Norge Rent, an organisation leading beach cleaning campaigns, public awareness initiatives, and partnerships with municipalities and volunteers. More information: https://holdnorgerent.no
- Discussed with Norges Handikapforbund Agder about enhancing nature trail accessibility for people with mobility impairments, and with BUA Kristiansand, which provides free sports equipment rentals. More information: https://nhf.no, https://bua.io
- Engaged with a Diving Club, active since 2015 in cleaning the seabed, and representatives from Agder County Municipality, who shared insights into volunteer organisation activities and support mechanisms. More information: https://www.agderfk.no
The visit provided practical insights into the significance of volunteer movements and their impact on tourism infrastructure development. Norway’s experience highlighted how community involvement can sustain and advance tourism infrastructure while enhancing the accessibility of natural and cultural heritage for a broader audience. Notably, participants gained valuable ideas on adapting infrastructure to meet diverse needs, ensuring inclusive and accessible tourism.
This approach, which combines nature accessibility with active community engagement, serves as inspiration for developing similar initiatives in Kurzeme.
The experience exchange visit was organised within the framework of the Bilateral Cooperation Fund under the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction, and Cultural Cooperation.” The initiative, “Baltic-Nordic Exchange of Experience in Volunteer Engagement and Inclusive Tourism Promotion,” was implemented by the Kurzeme Planning Region.
For more information:
Viktorija Reine
Project Manager
Kurzeme Planning Region
viktorija.reine@kurzemesregions.lv
