The first international certification programme for accessible tourism destinations has been developed and carried out in Lousã, Portugal by the Belgian Accessibility Office, Toegangelijkheidsbureau (TGB). The Certification Programme is a completely new destination management tool which provides an accurate measure of the excellence of an accessible tourism destination, based on strictly defined criteria.
The general objective of the project "TOURISM INCLUSIVE - Competencies for Care of People with Disabilities" was to conduct a study that may contribute to the achievement of national policy of inclusion of persons with disabilities, particularly in regard to their access to tourism services by: The identification of specific needs of people with disabilities, on the reception - service - service; The identification of skills, in terms of care and service necessary to meet those needs; The construction of a "package" of training aimed at developing these specific skills.
For long Vuokatti is known worldwide for its superb sports and leisure facilities. It has been a regular host for all levels of athletes and individuals who enjoy practicing a physical activity in a purely natural and friendly setting. The Elma project is focussed on developing a sustainable, Universally Accessible destination for all.
ENAT Member, Skagerrak Tours, is a tour operator company of Hungarian-Danish ownership working in Budapest. We organize tours and tourist programs to Hungary which are accessible to everyone.
The UNWTO Ulysses Prize and Awards are given in recognition for Innovation and Application of Knowledge in Tourism Governance. ENAT warmly congratulates Šent, the Slovenian Association for Mental Health and Kéroul, Canada on each receiving this prestigious award in recognition of their innovative work.
Accessible Travel Netherlands has been developed to raise awareness about the increasing need of information about access for tourists and to provide reliable information for visitors. This need comes especially from the rising numbers of tourist that might face a disability.
For people with physical disabilities one of the aspects that can turn a traveling experience into a more or less pleasant activity is the accessibility of the places, whether they are beaches or cultural destinations all over the world. ENAT member, Associação Salvadorhas created the online guide, www.portugalacessivel.com to facilitate the search for these accessible venues in Portugal.
Indian Non-Governmental Organisation, Svayam, requests experts and stakeholders to give their comments on a Draft Research Study on Problems and Prospects of Accessible Tourism in India. This is the first study of its kind commissioned by the Indian Government.
From 1914 to 1918 the 'Westhoek', West-Flanders, was the scene of the Great War. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers of more than 20 nationalities fell in this conflict. After the often pointless battles and vast destruction, the Westhoek rose from its ashes. Today the Westhoek wants to spread a message of peace to visitors from all over the world.
Ilse Telesmanich, 90, sprained her ankle hiking in South Africa last August. She tried to keep going on the three-week trip, she said, hobbled as she was. New York Times journalist, Kirk Johnson examines the trend towards older people becoming adventurers.
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.
