# Empowering Tourism Accessibility: A Digital Revolution in Pieria, Greece
## Results and Discussion
### Enhanced Travel Experience and Inclusivity  
One of the most significant results of this initiative is the enhanced travel experience for individuals with accessibility needs. By providing detailed and reliable information, the platform alleviates the uncertainty and stress often associated with planning travel for people with disabilities, elderly visitors, or families with young children. This comprehensive approach makes tourism more inviting and manageable for individuals who may have previously been deterred from visiting the Pieria region due to concerns about the availability of accessible infrastructure. The provision of accurate data about the accessibility of routes and POIs empowers travelers to make informed decisions, thereby improving their overall experience.  
Moreover, the platform's ability to offer personalized recommendations based on user-specific needs ensures that it caters to a broad demographic of travelers. For instance, users who require wheelchair accessibility can filter the available information to show only routes and points of interest that meet their requirements. This tailored approach to travel planning not only improves the visitor experience but also promotes inclusivity by ensuring that individuals with diverse needs are able to fully participate in the tourism offerings of the region.  
From an economic perspective, the platform has the potential to significantly broaden the Pieria region's tourism market by attracting new visitors who value and require accessible facilities, with the feedback from the platform's initial launch looking promising. The latter is highlighted also by the fact that the platform was awarded with the Gold Award in the Hellenic Tourism Awards 2024 competition, which represents a highly prestigious and competitive initiative nationally in Greece [33].  
This influx of visitors can have a direct positive impact on local businesses, particularly those that cater to the needs of tourists, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. By making the region more accessible, local businesses can tap into this growing market segment, leading to increased revenue and economic growth. Additionally, the platform encourages longer stays and repeat visits, as individuals with accessibility needs tend to be loyal customers who return to destinations that offer the necessary infrastructure and services.  
In addition to the increased number of special tourists, local businesses in the Pieria region also reported a noticeable rise in customers from this segment. The enhanced accessibility information provided by the Olympus Riviera Digital Platform appears to have directly contributed to this trend, as tourists with mobility challenges and other specific needs feel more confident in planning their visits to the area. Local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services have noted an uptick in bookings and reservations from these visitors, highlighting the economic benefits of the platform. By offering detailed data on accessible routes and points of interest, the platform not only supports a more inclusive tourism experience, but also helps to expand the customer base for local businesses, fostering growth in the region's tourism sector. This evidence underscores the platform's positive impact on both the social inclusivity of tourism and the economic vitality of the Pieria region.