ADAPT2EXPLORE Greece. Accessible Tourism in Action, Athens
ADAPT2EXPLORE Banner for Accessible Tourism in Action Seminar and Acropolis Event. image of active wheelchair user and the Parthenon.
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The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway, invites you to a unique Accessible Tourism Seminar and Acropolis Event - connecting persons with disability, professionals, and industry leaders to explore how accessibility creates value for all. Stone by stone – building a more inclusive future - ARI 2025
How Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
For your guests, your business, and your destination
Tourism is growing – and so is the number of travellers with accessibility needs. Over 140 million Europeans require accessible travel solutions – and they travel with families, friends, and colleagues.
This growing group represents both a social responsibility and a business opportunity.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 23 May 2025
Venue: Electra Palace Hotel, Navarchou Nikodimou 18–20, Athens, Greece
Time: From 10:15 to 13:40 followed by walk to and ascent of the Acropolis
Why You Should Join
• Open your destination to new guest segments
• Strengthen quality, sustainability, and competitiveness
• Co-create solutions with persons with disability and accessibility experts
• Join a growing European movement for accessible travel
What to Expect
• Expert talks on accessible tourism, trends, and market potential
• Best practices from Europe and Norway
• First-hand stories from travellers with accessibility needs
• Meet representatives from Active Rehabilitation International (ARI)
• Join a symbolic ascent of the Acropolis with persons with disability – demonstrating access in action.
About the Organiser
The Sunnaas Foundation is a Norwegian NGO empowering persons with spinal cord and brain injuries through rehabilitation and community inclusion. Its initiative Adapt2Explore, supported by Norway’s High North Initiative, helps the tourism industry offer more accessible and economically viable experiences. The foundation collaborates internationally to co-develop practical solutions that benefit both businesses and persons with disability.
Be Part of the Change
• Attend the Accessible Tourism Seminar and Acropolis Event
• Connect with tourism professionals, ambassadors, and persons with disability
• Support Athens as a destination on the path to greater accessibility
• Contribute to a shared European commitment to participation for all
A Special Highlight: Acropolis Event
The seminar is part of the first-ever International Active Rehabilitation Camp, taking place in Loutraki, Greece, in the same week – gathering 60 participants from 9 countries, including 30 experienced wheelchair users.
The event ends with a symbolic climb to the Acropolis, demonstrating equal access to heritage and society.
The climb will take place via elevator for wheelchair users, while others will walk – symbolising shared effort and unity.
In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Reduced Inequalities - Good Health & Well-being - Sustainable Cities - Innovation & Infrastructure
Update: 28 May 2025
Watch the videos here or on YouTube: A Day to Remember at Sea ARI 2025
Downloads (from Downloads section on this page)
Seminar Programme in PDF Format.
Slide presentation by ENAT in PDF Format
Slide presentation by SUUNAAS Foundation in PDF Format
Speech by Marianne Holth Dybwad, CEO, The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway
Speech by Heidi Kjærnes, Project Manager, The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway
Contact
Marianne Holth Dybwad, CEO, The Sunnaas Foundation (Norway)
marianne.dybwad@sunnaasstiftelsen.no | Telephone: +47 971 53 904
Let’s make Athens a symbol of accessibility – together
Suunaasstiftelsen Non-Profit Organisation, Norway.
In partnership with:
Active Rehabilitation International
Alli Opsi, Greece. Non-profit Organisation (English translation: "Other Aspect").
With the participation of ENAT Non-profit Association.