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.
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.
Chaired by Riga, the EUROCITIES Access to Culture working group was created in March 2007 with the aim of defining, identifying, and comparing culture accessibility issues in cities. This collection of good examples is based on
the results of a questionnaire that was circulated among EUROCITIES members in spring 2010 to identify and promote information exchange and the sharing of good practices regarding access to culture.
This survey reviews the specific needs of travellers using a wheelchair or other mobility aids or those who simply experience some form of mobility limitation.
This summer the European Commission has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of passengers' rights. Although the European Union has made great strides in establishing common passenger rights for those travelling by air or rail, not every European is yet aware of what he or she is entitled to.
This campaign sets out to make all air and rail passengers aware of what rights they enjoy under European legislation and how to make use of them.
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.
A new not-for-profit hotel group has been launched in the UK, specialising in accessible travel. Re-branded as Vision Hotels, the group’s four AA three-star hotels are run by national charity Action for Blind People and are already equipped with all the needs for disabled guests, as well as families and couples.
The opening ceremony of the works to improve the accessibility of the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum) – sponsored by the Salvador Association, with the support of the patrons Banco Espírito Santo and SEMAPA – was held on 14th April 2010.
