Making accessibility visible and measurable – Nallikari is developing its services in collaboration with Riesa Consultative Oy

Nallikari Seaside Oy has introduced an accessibility index in collaboration with Riesa Consultative Oy, a company specializing in accessibility. The aim of the work is to obtain a comprehensive and measurable overview of the current state of accessibility in the area, as well as to identify concrete areas for development for the future.

What does an accessibility assessment mean in practice?

An accessibility assessment examines the entire service experience from the customer’s perspective, from arrival to accommodation and departure. The review takes into account different user groups, such as people with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments.

The work does not remain superficial, but is broken down into concrete and measurable areas. This ensures that any shortcomings are identified and that development efforts can be properly targeted.

“Traditional accessibility assessments have been carried out for a long time, and we have introduced a new way of determining the current state of accessibility through the accessibility index. Instead of extensive written reports, it provides the client with concrete tools to start development work. The first phase begins with Nallikari collecting accessibility data through site visits. The entire customer journey is closely examined, and staff respond to clear accessibility statements during the visits. Once the data has been collected, Riesa reviews it, after which accessibility indices are created for the sites”, explains accessibility expert Ella-Riikka Isometsä from Riesa Consultative Oy.

“The accessibility index makes the current state of accessibility easy to understand and helps identify the key challenges as well as what already works well. This provides an overall picture that makes it easier to communicate accessibility reliably to customers and to plan development work in a goal-oriented way while also measuring change. There is a growing demand for accessible tourism, but accessible services are still too limited. That is why investing in accessibility is more timely and justified than ever. It is also good business”, Isometsä continues.

The accessibility index makes the invisible visible

At the core of the assessment is the Accessibility Index –a tool that provides a clear and comparable measure for developing accessibility. The Accessibility Index assigns a numerical value from 0 to 100 to a site, describing its level of accessibility.

However, the index is not just a number. It is based on a comprehensive analysis of various areas, such as arrival and mobility within the area, guidance and accessibility of information, usability of services, restroom and additional facilities, and the overall customer experience.

Data collection is conducted by using an application provided by Riesa, and the planning of the data collection has taken a wide range of accessibility needs into account..

Data-driven insights guide development

The development of accessibility can often feel challenging, but with measurable data it becomes manageable and goal-oriented. The Accessibility Index helps direct resources to where they have the greatest impact on the customer experience. At the same time, it supports sustainability work: accessibility is not just a single development project, but part of wider social responsibility and the promotion of equality.

“We will carry out the first round of accessibility assessments during spring 2026, when we will review accommodation facilities as well as service buildings at Nallikari Holiday Village and Hotel Aalto”, says Sirpa Walter, CEO of Nallikari Seaside Oy. “The goal is to have a completed Accessibility Index by summer 2026 and to begin concrete development measures immediately. Smaller actions that can be carried out by, for example, maintenance staff or communications, will be implemented alongside other work. For larger and more costly development needs, we will prepare budgets and schedules later this year”, Walter continues.

In Nallikari, the long term aim is to develop the area so that it serves better all visitors, regardless of season or individual needs. The accessibility assessment and Accessibility Index provide a concrete direction and tools for this work. The work does not end with the assessment but continues as ongoing development, where even small improvements can have a significant overall impact.

“The Accessibility Index is a useful tool for Nallikari in monitoring progress in accessibility development, as regular assessments provide up-to-date information on the situation. In addition, after the first assessment we already have a to-do list for improvements, so as this list gets shorter, things should also be in a better state from an accessibility perspective”, says Walter.

“I like this kind of tool because of the clarity it brings. It reminds me a bit of applying for environmental certification, as the materials, guidelines, and audits back then similarly brought structure to what initially felt like a somewhat complex and vast subject area that was not necessarily very familiar”, Walter continues.

Riesa Consultative Oy, accessibility expert Ella-Riikka Isometsä ella@riesa.io