Accessibility in tourism in a social right that concerns all citizens in Europe. In Europe it is estimated that 10% of the population have some type of disability, this means around 50 million people. And this number will continue to grow due to the inevitable process of demographic change as half of them are over 65. It can be deduced that accessibility is essential for 10% of the population, necessary for 40% and convenient for 100% of the population. In recent years the rights of disabled people to travel and to participate in tourism, leisure, sport and other activities away from home have been strengthened in a number of areas by legislation and regulations at international, European and national levels. This report presents an overview of the key legislation and the way in which the rights of people with disabilities are being extended and safeguarded. The report shows many examples of how the front-runners in sections of the tourism industry are beginning to respond to the increasing demand for accessible tourism products and services.
As part of the two year ENAT work programme 2006 – 2007, a study of services and facilities for accessible tourism in Europe was conducted by Toegankelijkheidsbureau (Belgium). This report presents definitions of accessible tourism, the target public and their specific needs, leading to an overview of services and facilities that tourism providers can adopt to improve accessibility.
Published by the Irish National Disability Authority, this guidance document is aimed at ensuring the speedy and safe evacuation of public buildings by people with a disability, particularly in the event of an emergency.
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.
Why should venue owners consider accessible tourism? This website provides links to a range of resources that tourist venue owners can use to gain insight and develop their services for disabled and elderly tourists. The information was compiled as part of the EU funded 'Happy Tourist' project.
The project seeks to promote disabled friendly tourist facilities in the cross-border area of Slovenia-Austria due to disabled people being deprived from using tourist facilities, as well as the rejection of disabled guests by the tourist organisations. The project is co-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) within the framework of the Initiative Programme of INTERREG Community IIIA Slovenia-Austria 2000-2006. The initiator of the project is ŠENT – National Association for Mental Health.
Creation in Australia of an information kit on tourists with disabilities, covering topics such as accommodation, legislation and marketing from a tourism perspective.
The Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad (Royal Board on Disability) with the collaboration of Polibea Turismo has organized Accessible Tourism Training Courses given at Spanish Tourism Colleges.
The "Treize Voyages" association has a twin objective : create holidays for the mentally handicapped while employing people who are either handicapped themselves or socially excluded. A tourism concept which is unique in France.
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.
