Beach accessibility, safety and service usability improved (PERLA)

The need to access and use seaside areas, also in the absence of bathing establishments or concessions and in particular by elderly, disabled and families with children, involved the surveying of geomorphological aspects of the coastal territory, so as to identify suitable solutions to reduce the risk of accidents and to remove access barriers, respecting the natural environment while promoting the tourist and economic development of the areas. The project aimed at developing accessibility, usability and security of coastal areas in the cross-border territories of IT-FR Maritime cooperation project partners. This was achieved by joint actions directed to increase and standardize the offer of tourist services, including innovative ones using advanced IC systems/technologies. All citizens, tourists, exposed groups of the population and disabled people are thus considered as beneficiaries. Activities increased the knowledge on the coastal strip and services currently available, and fostered actions to improve the overall offer, reduce pressure on overcrowded stronger areas, enhancing and protecting the coastal system, in particular: - support tourist promotion - expand the information network - increase usability of coasts and bathing areas in safety conditions while respecting natural environment - expand local public transport supply by dedicated services, cycle and pedestrian services, intermodal transit services - remove architectural barriers to favour sustainable mobility