Published on
November 28, 2025
The Municipality of Skiathos is taking bold steps to transform the island into a truly accessible destination for all, marking a significant milestone in inclusive tourism. In collaboration with Open Horizons, a private equity firm specializing in social development, Skiathos aims to provide equal access to its natural beauty, cultural sites, and tourism services for all visitors and residents, regardless of ability. This initiative is part of a broader vision to make Skiathos not only a sought-after tourist destination but also a model for accessibility in the tourism industry.
With accessibility now firmly placed at the heart of its tourism development strategy, Skiathos is working to ensure that the island welcomes people with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. This commitment goes beyond legal or moral obligations, positioning accessibility as a strategic opportunity to make the island stand out in an increasingly competitive tourism market.
Skiathos Takes Action on Accessibility: A Growing Commitment
In recent years, Skiathos has already made considerable progress in improving accessibility across key public spaces, including information services, sports facilities, beaches, and entertainment venues. This groundwork has set the stage for the island’s most ambitious initiative to date: becoming Greece’s first autism-friendly island.
The new initiative, launched in partnership with Open Horizons, aims to build on these earlier improvements by creating an infrastructure that fully supports people with disabilities. The partnership’s main goals include:
Support services and awareness campaigns for local residents, businesses, and tourism professionals, helping them understand the needs of people with disabilities and autism.Practical improvements to schools, beaches, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas to ensure they are accessible to all.Community engagement with schools, local associations, and businesses to foster lasting, inclusive policies and promote sustainable development.Specialized educational programs designed to empower people with disabilities and autism, improving their daily lives and enhancing their independence.Promotion of Skiathos as a disability- and autism-friendly destination, with tailored visitor information and accessible services for all travelers.
Creating an Autism-Friendly Destination
The highlight of Skiathos’ accessibility program is the goal of becoming the first autism-friendly island in Greece. This initiative involves the implementation of tailored services and the training of tourism professionals to cater to guests with autism and special needs. By offering sensitive and supportive services, such as sensory-friendly accommodations, customized itineraries, and quiet spaces, Skiathos aims to provide a welcoming environment for families traveling with loved ones on the autism spectrum.
The Skiathos tourism office is working closely with local partners to ensure the accessibility improvements are well integrated across the island. These changes will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also make Skiathos a leading example of how tourism can be more inclusive.
Strategic Partnerships and European Funding
In addition to local collaboration, the Municipality of Skiathos is leveraging European funding to help support these initiatives and ensure their sustainability. EU funding programs will be used to help implement the necessary infrastructure changes and sustain the momentum of this project for years to come. The partnership with Open Horizons will also ensure the initiatives remain on track, with regular assessments and adjustments to meet the evolving needs of visitors and residents.
The European Commission’s commitment to inclusive tourism provides a strong foundation for the development of accessible destinations in Greece and across Europe. By integrating these global standards into Skiathos’ plans, the island is contributing to the broader movement toward making tourism more inclusive and accessible.
The Benefits of Accessible Tourism
Creating accessible tourism infrastructure is essential not only for people with disabilities but also for the broader travel industry. Accessible tourism benefits include:
Economic growth: Accessible tourism helps expand the market by attracting more visitors with diverse needs, including seniors, families with children, and travelers with disabilities.Social inclusion: Making travel accessible for all creates a more inclusive society, allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in cultural, social, and recreational activities.Sustainability: Ensuring accessibility promotes sustainable tourism, where every guest, regardless of ability, can enjoy a fair and enjoyable experience.
Skiathos’ initiative sets a positive example for other islands and regions in Greece and around the world, proving that accessible tourism isn’t just a moral or legal obligation but also a strategic growth opportunity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Skiathos as an Inclusive Destination
Skiathos is poised to lead the way in inclusive tourism within Greece, making it a top destination for all travelers. By fostering a culture of inclusion and accessibility, the island will not only enhance the travel experience for those with disabilities but also create an example for other destinations to follow.
The collaborative approach between Skiathos Municipality, Open Horizons, and local stakeholders will continue to develop, with future plans to further integrate accessibility throughout the island’s infrastructure. This ongoing commitment is sure to make Skiathos one of Greece’s premier accessible destinations, offering an unforgettable experience for all travelers, regardless of ability.
