This edition of the Design for All India Newsletter brings together, for the first time, a range of articles about inclusive, accessible tourism in India. The guest editor is Dr. Scott Rains, who travelled to India in 2008, meeting and working with tourism industry representatives, destination managers and disability groups. Authors of the invited articles include travel agents, travellers, product designers, teachers and planners.
Located in the central region of Portugal, Lousã is an area which epitomises the unspoilt beauty of the Serra da Lousã mountain landscape. Following an initiative to host the first National Accessible Tourism Conference in April 2007, Lousã civil society organised a Task Force to plan for the development of Lousã as the first Accessible Tourism Destination in Portugal. The project aims to serve as an example both nationally and internationally. The website which is currently in Portuguese, will be available in English, French and Spanish in due course.
Professional ski instructor, Thodoris Petropoulos introduces the adapted skiing programme taking place in Vassilitsa, Grevena, throughout the winter season. The programme offers people with disabilities, individually or as parts of schools, clubs and institutions the chance to take winter vacations learning how to ski, along with appropriate training, equipment and accommodation.
The project aims at offering travelling, volunteering, learning, intercultural and income generation opportunities to people over 55 years old from 10 countries.