This report has been prepared in 2019 for the European Commission, DG Growth Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, based on entries to the Smart Tourism Capitals Competition in 2018.
The first SDG Newsletter focuses on SDG10 – Reduced Inequalities. SDG10 aims to empower and promote the social economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. Specifically, the Newsletter focuses on accessible tourism as a key to achieving SDG10.
8 May 2018. This study has undertaken literature reviews, user and experts’ questionnaires, interviews and workshop surveys, analysis of EU legislation, SWOT and Multi-Criteria Analysis, identification of best practices and analyses of case studies. This has led to a mapping of accessibility across the EU Member States (identifying relevant state clusters) for three different sectors: local transport, long-distance transport, and tourism. Specific policies, research priorities and recommendations are made per state clusters and for the EU, which can enhance accessibility in each of the three sectors.
27 June 2019. The Prime Minister has announced the UK’s first ever Tourism Sector Deal today, reaffirming the UK’s global role as a key player in the industry.
Scandic is the world’s first hotel group to introduce a standard for allergy-friendly rooms. This means that guests booking allergy-friendly rooms can expect considerations including wooden floors and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic toiletries approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association. The rooms are also prepared according to strict cleaning procedures and are not located on floors where pets can stay. The new standard will be part of Scandic’s unique 159-point accessibility standard.
Seoul, South Korea, September, 2018. During the 7th UNWTO Global Summit and the SIFT Forum 2018, Seoul announced the second edition of the Global Campaign “Fair Travel Living Together" in support of fair and sustainable tourism.
The 3rd Accessible Izmir Congress was realized for the third time between the dates of November 1 and 3, 2018 in İzmir, Turkey under the main theme of “New Production Models and Employment for the People with Disabilities."
The Wheelchair Basketball World Championships are being held in Germany between August 16 and 26. Scandic Hamburg Emporio is the official team hotel thanks to its successful work to promote accessibility. Now, the hotel is hosting 300 wheelchair athletes, a unique clientele.
Brussels, 26 June 2018. VisitFlanders, the tourism authority of the Flemish Region of Belgium, hosted a gathering of tourism organisations and professionals at the launch of the new World Tourism for All Quality Programme.
The project, wholly financed by a grant from the Booking Cares Fund awarded to Ms. Xun Ji, a young disabled Chinese woman, will provide accessible tourism information services and cultural experience opportunities for both Chinese and foreign travellers with particular access needs, while at the same time engaging professionals in the travel industry, preparing them for the new caring economy.
