In a first for New Zealand, The New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology has created a Research Programme Area in Access Tourism, headed by Sandra Rhodda.
15 November 2010, Brussels. EU Commissioner Viviane Reding announced the adoption of a 10 year strategy which promotes equal opportunities for people with disabilities at the 4th Equality Summit organised by the Belgian Presidency of the European Union today.
The Vice Minister for Trade and Tourism, Pilar Zorrilla, presided over the first seal award event, held in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The Accessible Seal is the result of the Accessibility Programme developed by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Trade and Tourism of the Basque Government which prepares businesses to orient their services to all visitors.
The Honourable Tariana Turia, Minister for Disabilities Issues and co-leader of the Maori Party opened the inaugural Access Tourism New Zealand Conference at AUT University Auckland on Monday (October 4th, 2010). The conference, organized by the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, was attended by over 100 delegates.
Today, 21 September, is Peace Day. A global day of action and awareness for peace everywhere. This is a reminder for those who may already know and a call to those who don't. Get informed at www.peaceoneday.org
Brussels, 27 July 2010 – The European Commission announces the launch of “Access●City Award”, the first European Award for Accessible Cities. This annual award aims to highlight the European cities that are taking the most effective and innovative action to improve their accessibility for disabled citizens.
Commission's new strategy for stimulating tourism in Europe – to realise the full potential of an industry that already plays an important role in the economy.
The eAccess+ network aims to bridge the widening gap between the potential of ICT/AT and eAccessibility for people with disabilities and the ageing population on the one hand and the actual implementation of eAccesibility on the other hand. eAccess+ is driven by 25 core members, coming from all over Europe. It is their task to involve all stakeholder groups at national level and to expand the network by developing a group of so called “Associated Partners”.
This report, by Carlos Buj of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University, aims to generate useful knowledge about the travel needs of people with limited mobility (PwLM) as well as to identify ongoing trends in the unexplored field of accessible tourism as an economic sector. The research carried out for this report is based on literature review, a questionnaire, case studies and interviews with experts. The findings are discussed and used to shape the final recommendations and conclusion.
This report, by Carlos Buj of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University, aims to generate useful knowledge about the travel needs of people with limited mobility (PwLM) as well as to identify ongoing trends in the unexplored field of accessible tourism as an economic sector. The research carried out for this report is based on literature review, a questionnaire, case studies and interviews with experts. The findings are discussed and used to shape the final recommendations and conclusion.
EC Communication (COM2010/352final). Keeping Europe the world's top tourist destination is the objective of a Communication tabled by the European Commission on 30.06.2010. With 370 million international arrivals in 2008, Europe has more than 40% of the global figure - a position which needs to be retained. However the fast changing worldwide economy impacts on the tourism sector with some important changes concerning tourist behaviour and markets of origin.
On 4 November 2009 the Commission launched a two-month online public consultation
called "Public consultation on the preparation of a new EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020". The aim of the consultation was to provide the possibility to different stakeholders from all Member States to give their opinion on the problems that persons with disabilities face in Europe and the ways to solve them. The consultation was also designed to give feedback on priorities and challenges for the future of the European disability policy and the forthcoming strategy 2010-2020.