A major milestone has been reached with the publication this week of the recommendations from the Second International Conference on Accessible Tourism held November 22 - 24, 2007 at the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand. Sixteen recommendations directed towards governments, public agencies, tourism businesses and academia seek to promote the development of inclusive tourism in the region, targetting a wide range of measures for both specialised and mainstream services.
At a congress held last week by the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), over 200 representatives from international disability organisations, tourist boards and private enterprise came to the overwhelming conclusion that accessible tourism is the fastest-growing business opportunity in the tourism industry.
This week the Marina d'Or beachside holiday resort in the Region of Valencia, Spain welcomes some 200 delegates at the ENAT International Congress on Tourism for All, organised by Fundación ONCE and supported by the European Commission. Guest speakers from North and South America, as well as Australia will complement European presenters from all sectors of the tourism industry, public authorities, NGOs and centres of research and education.
This summer, "Tourism for All" is the Greek National Tourist Organisation's domestic marketing message, with posters, decorated buses and a TV-spot contributing to the campaign.
The C.A.R.E. project (Città Accessibili delle Regioni Europee – Accessible Cities in the Regions of Europe) was based on the cross-national sharing of city development policies in which accessibility to everyone is key to quality, in order to make the geographical resources better suited to the requirements of all those users who have special needs. "Cities that will be able to fulfil the most exacting requirements will be more functional and friendlier to everyone".
Development and delivery of courses in hospitality and customer service for those working with persons with disabilities and seniors, and given by persons with restricted physical ability.
The on-line database, 'Toegankelijk Vlaanderen' (Accessible Flanders) contains information regarding the accessibility of buildings, premises and tourist facilities such as town and city halls, schools, hotels, museums, socio-cultural centres, sports centres, cycle paths, footpaths and other tourist facilities in the region of Flanders, Belgium.
The purpose of this study is visually to compare barriers encountered by providers with barriers encountered by travelers who used mobility devices. Results are illustrated using the AABM.
Workshop Report including summary presentations and speeches by plenary speakers, workshop conclusions and photos from the optional excursion to accessible attractions in Athens.
View and download the presentations by plenary speakers at the ENAT Inaugural General Meeting which took place in Brussels, Belgium on the 11th of May, 2006.
