In Thailand, the Disabled Peoples' International - Asia Pacific (DPI-AP) and the Asia Pacific Disability Forum (APDF) and partners organised the Second International Forum on Accessible Tourism (ICAT 2007) from 22-24 November 2007.
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.
The Australian Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport provide practical measures to be taken by transport operators and providers to make public transport more accessible, both for persons with disabilities, as well as the elderly and those travelling with young children.
Development and delivery of courses in hospitality and customer service for those working with persons with disabilities and seniors, and given by persons with restricted physical ability.
Development and application of a set of standardized pictograms for public facilities which respect the universal design principles and enable international travellers, including persons with disabilities, to recognize them at a glance.
The Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad (Royal Board on Disability) with the collaboration of Polibea Turismo has organized Accessible Tourism Training Courses given at Spanish Tourism Colleges.
Workshop Report including summary presentations and speeches by plenary speakers, workshop conclusions and photos from the optional excursion to accessible attractions in Athens.