RDP project database

EAFRD support (measure 311) has helped target a niche tourism market and diversify economic activity in the Baltic countryside by supporting the construction of Estonia's first "fishing platform" for disabled anglers.

The Oxforell fishing resort became active in 2002 and specialises in trout-fishing adapted to the needs of disabled people. The resort also organises a range of other different leisure events and sporting activities, as well as offering comfortable accommodation and good food in the natural surroundings and rural atmosphere of northern Estonia.

The specific objective of the project was to create all-access services for disabled people visiting the Oxforell fishing resort. Additional wider aims included investment in the diversification of the local rural economy of Harju County and creating links with local, regional and national disability organisations to help rural entrepreneurs identify design requirements for new disabled facilities.

The project involved the development of specific tourism facilities: i) a toilet for disabled people; ii) a fishing platform for disabled people; countryside access paths, and; iii) a children’s playground.

The main results are the completion of the first fishing platform and WC for disabled people in Estonia; new visitor accommodation, and; an increased capacity for the centre to supply a larger range of business tourist services and products. The main benefit is an improved quality of life for disabled people who are offered more leisure activities tailored to their specific needs. At the same time, the loyalty of disabled customers to this niche facility is good for the local rural economy.

Lessons learnt are that it is worth striving for continuous development and sustainability especially in times of economic crisis. Always provide the best service to clients, because bad feedback on service always spreads quicker than good. This project offers an important transferable concept for areas that have natural assets but no all-access infrastructure in place yet for disabled visitors and the local population to benefit from them.

Harju County, North Estonia

Põhja-Eesti

Estonia

227 736

78 951

19 738

129 047

https://www.oxforell.ee/

Reve Lambur

reve@maainfo.ee

+372 384 9728

English, Estonian