ontrack at the World Summit of Accessible Tourism in Turin

Keynote on Inclusive Navigation for Blind and Visually Impaired People

From 1–4 October 2025, the World Summit on Accessible Tourism (WSAT) took place in Turin, Italy — one of the most important global conferences dedicated to accessible tourism. Over 800 experts, decision-makers, organizations, and startups from around the world gathered to discuss innovations, strategies, and solutions for a more inclusive future of travel.

Paul Kalcher, founder of ontrack, was invited as one of four international speakers to join a high-level panel discussion and also gave a keynote presentation on the development of ontrack — a navigation solution designed specifically for blind and visually impaired people.

Changing Perspectives Through Technology 🧭
In his keynote, Paul presented how ontrack was co-created with the blind and visually impaired community from the very beginning. The app uses location-based services and audio cues to guide users safely and intuitively through urban environments — both on foot and using public transportation.
ontrack follows a clear principle: don’t make existing navigation tools accessible as an afterthought — design them inclusively from the start. Blind and visually impaired users are not “just another target group”; they are at the center of the entire development process.

International Exchange and Collaboration 🌍
The summit offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with experts from tourism, technology, politics, and advocacy worldwide. During the panel, the speakers discussed how digital innovation can improve access to mobility, what kind of political frameworks are needed, and the role startups can play in driving change. ontrack’s presentation attracted strong interest — especially for its practical, user-centered approach that builds on existing infrastructure instead of creating parallel systems.

A Strong Signal for Inclusive Mobility 🚀
Speaking at WSAT was not only a chance to present ontrack internationally but also an important statement: inclusive navigation is not a niche — it’s a cornerstone of equal participation in public life. ontrack is developed in Austria in close cooperation with organizations such as the Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs (Austrian Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired). The next steps include expanding to additional cities and working with social insurance funds and mobility providers to make the solution available on a broader European scale.

About ontrack
ontrack is a product of OnTours Software OG, developed together with the blind and visually impaired community. The app provides audio-first navigation in urban spaces, empowering users with greater independence, safety, and cultural participation.

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