In its updated European Disability Action Plan 2008-2009, published on 26 November 2007, the European Commission notes the formation of ENAT as a targetted action to improve accessibility to tourism for people with disabilities. The EC also makes proposals to improve access to goods and services by developing statistical services for monitoring accessibility and encouraging new standards.
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.
STIL, the Stockholm Cooperative for Independent Living, announced the winner of its fourth annual Ace of Hearts award. For the first time ever, the accolade was given to a company and to that company’s Disability Coordinator who, with initiative and creativity, has improved accessibility for disabled people.
This report updates the Commission’s first analysis of the European tourism sector and extends it to the tourism industry of the enlarged Community. It provides a solid statistical overview and analysis of tourism demand, the competitiveness of the industry, employment and innovation.
Once completed the restoration and adaptation of the 12 meter long motor boat "Sirenita" by the foundation "A Sea Without Barriers", people with reduced mobility will have the chance to enjoy tourist sailing tours in Valencian harbour.
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.
The HAPPY TOURIST project aims to offer equal opportunities to people with disabilities in the tourist sector, either as tourists or as staff, based upon the combination of innovative, modular and cost-effective ICT tools, e-learning concepts and on-the-job-training schemes.
The project aims to identify and define requirements of the demand and supply sides in the tourism sector (both disabled people and tourist industry workers); to prepare an information model for disabled tourists, (by including disabled people in the whole process), and to deliver suitable training programmes for the tourism sector.
Workshop Report including summary presentations and speeches by plenary speakers, workshop conclusions and photos from the optional excursion to accessible attractions in Athens.
