The UK's Disability Discrimination Act has been in force since 1995, with enforcement measures fully implemented since 2004. This article looks at where we are now as a country offering accessible tourism, what more needs to be done and the opportunities that exist, especially in view of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. It also outlines the role of a new project – Open Britain – being launched in July 2009 by Tourism for All UK and disability charity RADAR.
This Flash Eurobarometer survey (Flash Eurobarometer 258 on the “Survey on the attitudes of Europeans towards tourism”) was conducted at the request of Directorate General Enterprise and Industry to collect citizens' ‟...views, details of holidays and travel in 2007 and 2008 and their plans regarding holidays in 2009." The report includes the average results for the EU and highlights variances in responses based on the interviewees' country of residence, their socio-demographic background and fundamental attitudes towards holidays and travel. It also examined how EU citizens chose a holiday destination. Tourism accessibility issues are not considered in the survey but some data on older people's responses are included.
Athens 4 Kids is a comprehensive, simple to use guidebook full of inspired, fun and entertaining ideas for children of all ages. Hundreds of top attractions are listed in an easy-to-use format, ranging from Fun Fairs to Zoos, Museums, Caves, Beaches, Walks, Picnics and much, much more! Written by parents for parents, Athens 4 Kids features over 215 of the very best venues in Athens, so grab your kids and have fun.
ENAT is looking for the twelve best photos illustrating 'Accessible Tourism in Europe' for publication in next year's ENAT Calendar. If you are going on holiday for half a day or 3 weeks, now is the time to snap that winning shot!
The 2nd ENAT International Congress takes place in Vienna on 30th September to 1st October 2009. Book before 30th June, to secure your place, and save 20% on the normal fee. Reduced rates for ENAT Members.
GuideGecko (www.GuideGecko.com), a new website for travel, lifestyle and entertainment guides, provides the perfect platform for self-published accessible travel guides by independent authors. People with disabilities and disability organisations who create access guides to their cities, regions and countries, are often unable to publish the guides due to lack of resources. Now you can!
Why not show off your favourite tourist attraction or venue in 2010? ENAT Members are now invited to submit their photo entries for the ENAT 2010 Desk Calendar Competition, illustrating the theme: "Enjoy Accessible European Tourism Destinations".
Today sees the launch of accessible.travel - a new on-line booking site for people with disabilities and others who need to know about the accessibility of venues and hotels before they travel. The site is run by Craig Grimes, a wheelchair user and determined traveller, adventurer and consultant to the tourism industry.
Profit through Access is a brand new online training course. Designed for tourism businesses, it will help you to attract a wider range of visitors and improve your profits.
