Events | ENAT

34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research, Iceland

Ivor Ambrose — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:44:44 GMT

Tourism in a Changing World: An Active Agent for Good? 6 - 8 October 2026, Reykjavík, Iceland.

The 34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from various disciplines and backgrounds, as well as community voices to explore how tourism can serve as a driver of positive transformation.

How can the field contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and regenerative future?

We welcome critical perspectives, innovative practices, and grounded solutions that engage with tourism’s responsibilities in an era of profound global change.

Topics include but are not limited to:

How can tourism mitigate climate change rather than contribute to it?
Can tourism support geopolitical stability, or is it inherently vulnerable?
How can wellbeing for staff, tourists, residents, and nature be measured, managed and integrated into tourism policy and development?
What role can AI play in making tourism more inclusive?
How can destinations be developed in ways that benefit all stakeholders equitably without compromising the environment?
How can diversity, equity and inclusion be embedded into tourism development?
What makes a tourism experience regenerative for communities, environment and visitors?
What opportunities and challenges arise when considering tourism degrowth?

Alongside traditional paper presentations, we encourage innovative and creative contributions designed to provoke thought and inspire dialogue.

If you have ideas for formats beyond the traditional paper presentation, such as outdoor sessions, workshops, or other creative setups, please get in touch with the conference organisers.

Join us in reimagining tourism as an active agent for good.

Contact by Email: rmf@rmf.is

Further Information and Abstract Submission

Abstracts should be submitted by 15th April 2026.

Visit the Conference Website

The 8th International Universal Design Conference. Advancing a more inclusive and sustainable world for everyone, UD26

Ivor Ambrose — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:26:00 GMT

The conference will be held at the Galmont Hotel, Galway City, Ireland from 4-6 November 2026.

UD26 will bring together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, students, and industry leaders to explore the theme: “Advancing an Inclusive and Sustainable World through Universal Design.”

Since 2012, the International Conference on Universal Design has served as a recognised platform for sharing research, innovative practice, and lived experience across disciplines.

UD26 will continue this tradition by creating a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking among the global Universal Design community.

Organised by The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority and the University of Galway.

Call for Contributions

Contributions may be submitted for consideration as follows:

Practical Contributions
Scientific/academic papers

Oral contributions can be made in person at the conference in any of the following formats:

15-minute presentations with 5 minutes for questions and answers
Posters
Workshops

Important dates

Submission of abstracts opens: 6 March 2026
Closing date for submission of abstracts: 15 April 2026
Author notification: 20 May 2026
Closing date for submission of full scientific papers: 26 June 2026

For further details about the conference and the venue, visit the conference website at: https://ud26.ie/

Accessible Tourism Summit, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa

Ivor Ambrose — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:12:00 GMT

Vaal University of Technology Tourism Management programme, in partnership with the African Network for Accessible Tourism and Hospitality Sector (ANATHS) and Disability Services Unit, invites you to the inaugural South African Accessible Tourism Summit.

Dates: 19th and 20th March, 2026
Time : 08:00–15:00 hours
Cost: Free.

Themed Africa's Journey Towards Inclusive & Accessible Tourism: From Policy To Practice, the forthcoming summit aims to elicit actionable insights from self-representation within a dialogue that draws on lived experiences of access-need people for the co-creation of realistic solutions that enable sustainable and accessible tourism.

The Accessible Tourism Summit is in association with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)
You are cordially invited to attend this important event.

Programme

Day 1: March 19th | Stakeholder/Industry Session
VUT Conference Centre, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, RSA.

Day 2: March 20th | Industry/Student/Curriculum Session
Vaal University of Technology, Desmond Tutu Great Hall, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.

Download the Draft Programme from the Downloads section of this page.

OR
Attend online: https://youtube.com/live/UHiNRXrU_Uo?feature=share

RSVP: https://forms.gle/3oWeSnSwmtVkaThZ9

Further information

For more information, email: tshenolom@vut.ac.za

Visit: ANATHS

Download the invitation in PDF format from the Downloads section of this page.

ITB Berlin - Accessible Tourism Day

Ivor Ambrose — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:29:00 GMT

The German National Tourist Board welcomes participants to this special event at ITB Berlin on 4th March 2026 at City Hall, hall A5 or Online.

This year's programme will focus on:

accessible and inclusive cultural activities
accessible accommodations,
“Reisen für Alle” (national accessibility information system),
Destination management and marketing,
AI and technology
Holidays by and on the water.

Further information and registration for online participation can be found here:
https://www.germany.travel/en/trade/gntb-events/accessible-tourism-day.html

Visit the Website: Accessible Tourism Day

Download the Accessible Tourism Day brochure and programme from the Downloads section of this page.

In addition:

ENAT and the Association of Thai Inclusive Tourism (ATIT), represented by Nutty’s Adventures, will sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 16:00, at the Thailand Pavilion, ITB Berlin.

This agreement marks a new era of cooperation between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to foster Accessible Tourism, making travel a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.

More information: ENAT-ATIT Press Release 28/2/2026

SAVE THE DATES: ENAT Conference and Annual General Assembly, Genoa, Italy, 18th - 19th June 2026

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:27:00 GMT

ENAT is pleased to announce its International Conference and Annual General Assembly taking place back-to-back in Genoa, Italy, this summer. ENAT members, tourism actors and stakeholders are welcome to attend.

ENAT International Conference, Thursday 18 June 2026. "Inclusive and Smart Tourism Destinations: Strategies for innovation"

Time: 10.00 to 17.00 hours, followed by Networking Cocktail.
Venue: Acquario di Genova, Area Porto Antico, Ponte Spinola 16, 16128 Genova, Italy.
Directions: How to find the Acquarium

The Conference Programme is under development and will be published in due course.

Further information and Registration

For further information, visit the conference website, where you can also Pre-register: Inclusivedestinations.org

Conference Organisers

European Network for Accessible Tourism, in association with:

AccessibleEU Resource Centre

AISM - Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association.

ENAT Annual General Assembly, Friday 19th June, 10.00 to 13.00 hours

Time: 10.00 to 13.00 hours, followed by light sandwich lunch.
Venue: AISM - Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla, Sede Nazionale. Via Operai, 40, 16149 Genova.
Directions: How to reach AISM

ENAT Full and Associate Members and official Observers are invited to attend the Annual General Assembly (AGA) where the past year's activities and future plans will be presented and discussed. Non-members may attend, subject to available space.

Registration for the AGA

AGA Notes

Only ENAT Full Members are allowed to vote on motions that are presented at the AGA.

Full Members who cannot attend may give their voting mandate to another Full Member. Each Full Members present may have only one mandate in addition to their own, according to ENAT Statutes.

The AGA Agenda and other documents for the Assembly will be sent to registered participants 14 days before the meeting.

Members and official observers who cannot attend in person should fill in the Registration Form in order to receive the Zoom link to attend the AGA remotely.
Full Members joining remotely will not be able to vote at the AGA. They must mandate another named Full Member who will be attending, to be indicated in the Registration Form

Members' contributions to the 2025 ENAT Annual Report

ENAT Full Members are requested to send information about their activities carried out in 2025, for inclusion in the 2025 Annual Report.
Email: enat@accessibletourism.org

Your information should reach ENAT no later than Friday 15th May 2026.

For reference, read the ENAT Annual Report 2024.

We look forward to meeting you in Genoa!.

Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director

Rights delayed: Air travel for passengers with disabilities

Ivor Ambrose — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:49:00 GMT

The European Disability Forum launches the 9th Human Rights Report on air travel for persons with disabilities.

This Online Event takes place on Wednesday 26th November 2025, from 14.00 to 16.00 hours CET (Brussels time).

The Registration link is at the end of this announcement.

In this online event, the European Disability Forum (EDF) will present the main findings of the report, including:

The main barriers to air transport for persons with disabilities.
The gaps in applicable EU legislation.
The implementation of EU legislation by Airlines, Airports and National Enforcement Bodies (NEBs).
Good practices improving access to air transport.
Recommendations for policymakers and industry.

The presentation of the findings will be followed by a panel discussion between persons with disabilities, accessibility experts, airlines and public authorities.

Moderator: Marie Denninghaus, EDF Policy and Capacity Building Manager.

14:00 – 14.05h Housekeeping rules

14.05 – 14.15h Introductory remarks
Gunta Anca, EDF Vice-president

14:15 – 14.45h Presentation of findings from the report
Daniel Casas – EDF Accessibility Policy Officer
Francesca Lo Castro – Consultant for the Human Rights Report

14:45 – 15.00h Q&A from participants

Break 15:00 – 15:10h

15:10 – 15:40h Reactions to the Report and panel discussion
Kamil Goungor – European Network of Independent Living (ENIL)
National Civil Aviation Authority – TBC
Ann Frye – Accessible EU Expert on Transport
Michael Harrington – Airlines Representation International (AIRE)

15:40 – 15:55h
Q&A from participants

15.55 – 16.00h
Concluding remarks by Elisabeth Kotthaus, Head of Unit at DG Move (European Commission)

Register for this event on Zoom, free of charge

International Webinar on Accessible Tourism for All: Focus on Ukraine

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:26:00 GMT

Join this free Webinar, organised by UN Tourism and the Ukraine Department of Tourism Development, Tuesday 18 November 2025 from 14:30 to 16:30 CET.

The Webinar will:

Explore the evolving opportunities and challenges in the sphere of accessibility at a national and international level.
Showcase good practices in advancing accessibility, focused on universal design, built environments, tourism services, as well as natural and cultural heritage assets
Discuss technological innovation in developing hands-on accessibility solutions.

Target groups

Government agencies and Destination Management Organizations
Standardization bodies
Tourism businesses and service providers
Civil society stakeholders
Technology and innovation actors
International and multilateral bodies

Programme

14:30 – 14:40 Opening remarks

Cordula Wohlmuther, Director, Regional Department for Europe, UN Tourism
Natalya Tabaka, Chairperson, State Agency for Tourism Development, Ukraine

14:40 – 16:10 Moderator: Igor Stefanovic, Technical Coordinator of Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department, UN Tourism
Presentations by:

José Luis Borau, Head of Built Environment and Accessibility, ONCE Foundation, Spain
Emiliano Deferrari, Executive Board Member, European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)
Helena Ribeiro, Project Manager, Turismo de Portugal
José Miguel Ferrer, Cofounder and CIO Innovation Manager, Blind Explorer by Green Urban Data, Spain
Khrystyna Lebed, Head of Lviv Tourism Office, Ukraine
Lina Kukuruza, Project Manager, Etnoсhary Ceramics of Podillia, Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Questions and Answers

16:10 – 16:30

Video message by: Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism
Wrap-up & Conclusions by: Igor Stefanovic, Technical Coordinator of Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department, UN Tourism

Enhancing an Accessible Educational Ecosystem. AccessibleEU and AAATE European Event

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:24:59 GMT

AccessibleEU is hosting a workshop on accessible education ahead of the 18th International Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE), at the European University Cyprus.

Join us on 9 September 2025 in Nicosia to foster dialogue, share insights and drive collaborative efforts among key stakeholders in accessibility, assistive technologies and education.

How to participate?
This is a hybrid event. You can join us onsite or online.

Where?
European University Cyprus. 6 Diogenous Str., Egkomi, 2404, Nicosia. Cyprus

When?
Tuesday, 9 September 2025, 09:30 - 14:00 EEST

Language: English

Accessibility
Accessible venue, captioning in English and interpretation in International Sign System (ISS).

Free registration (required in advance): Registration link

Download the Event Concept Note and Agenda from the Downloads section of this page.

The European Accessibility Resource Centre (AccessibleEU) is one of the key initiatives proposed in the European Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030.

The consortium which works on this Project is formed by ENAT, EASPD, University Johannes Kepler Linz, UNE and led by Fundación ONCE.

We hope you find this event interesting and enriching. If you want to help us reach out to all those who might be interested in attending, please, feel free to share this invitation to anyone you think that might be interested in the event.

Contact:
Email: AccessibleEU.communication@fundaciononce.es

AccessibleEU European Event – Hi, European Accessibility Act… Let’s Rock Accessibility!

Ivor Ambrose — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:59:03 GMT

We are very excited to get together on 3rd July to celebrate the European Accessibility Act entering into force, share success stories, and prepare for the changes the Act is bringing.

Where?

Onsite participation: Thon Hotel EU (Belgium Conference Room), Rue de la Loi 75. Brussels, Belgium
Online participation: REGISTER (below) to receive an email with the link for online participation the day before the event.

When?

Thursday, 3 July, 09:30 - 17:30 (CEST)

Language: English

Accessibility: Accessible venue, live captioning in English and interpretation in International Sign System (ISS).

Attendance at the conference is free of charge.

Objectives

The main objectives are:

Celebrate Achievements: Highlight the successes of AccessibleEU during its first two years, including key initiatives and milestones.
Promote Awareness of the European Accessibility Act: Inform stakeholders about the implications, opportunities, and obligations introduced by the Act.
Foster Dialogue and Cooperation: Facilitate knowledge exchange among policymakers, businesses, civil society, and accessibility experts.
Inspire Action: Encourage stakeholders to take proactive measures to implement the European Accessibility Act and continue building an inclusive society.

Who should attend?

EU Institutions: Representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Economic and Social Committee.
National Authorities: Accessibility policymakers from Member States.
Private Sector: Businesses and industries impacted by the European Accessibility Act, such as ICT providers, financial services, e-commerce platforms, and transportation companies.
Civil Society Organisations: Disability rights organisations, Accessibility advocacy groups, and NGOs
Experts and Researchers: Accessibility specialists, academics, and innovators in inclusive design and assistive technologies.

The event will include 6 panels of speakers, addressing:

Products, including Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Transport
Services part 1: Banking, e-commerce and e-books
Services part 2: Telecoms, Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) and emergency numbers
Public procurement
Built environment.

Agenda

For full Event details and Agenda, visit the AccessibleEU Event Webpage

Registration

Registration is required for on-site and on-line participation: Register now!

Organised by AccessibleEU

AccessibleEU Consortium composed by

Fundación ONCE Spain
European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) Belgium
European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), Belgium
Johannes Kepler Institute, University of Graz, Austria
UNE - Spanish Standardisation Body, Spain

Destinations for All. WSAT 2025. Third World Summit on Accessible Tourism, Torino, Italy, 5-7 October 2025

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 14 May 2025 09:22:00 GMT

Destinations for All aims to promote accessible tourism around the world. It brings together many players from across the globe to share good practices in the field of accessible tourism.

About the World Summit

The World Summit on Accessible Tourism is one of the leading international events in the field of accessible tourism.

Torino, Italy, the 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism, will host the third Summit, after the two successful editions in Montreal in 2014 and in Brussels in 2018.

The goal is to bring together experts and players from around the world to share knowledge and experiences, and promote best practices in accessible tourism.

The Summit offers a unique and exceptional opportunity to meet, exchange and create global partnerships.

New: 22 July 2025. Ist Draft Programme now available.

Download the Draft Programme in PDF format from Downloads section of this page.

For further details about Registration, Travel, Accommodation, Sponsorship, Exhibition opportunities and more, please visit:

Early Bird - Participant Registration Fee (until 30 July 2025): 210,00 EURO, Including VAT at 22%.

For paid-up ENAT Members, Early Bird registration period is extended to 5th August 2025.

Learn more about ENAT Membership.

Organisation

The Organising Committee of the World Summit, 3rd edition, is composed of representatives of the following associations:

CPD - Consulta per le Persone in Difficoltà

ISITT – Istituto Italiano Turismo per Tutti

ENAT - European Network for Accessible Tourism

For any information concerning Registration, Abstract submission, Accommodation, contact Centro Congressi Internazionale (CCI srl.)

Phone + 39 011 2446911.

For any information concerning Communication, Sponsoring, Exhibiting, Invited speakers, contact Symposium srl.

Phone + 39 011 9211467.

Share our NEW hashtag: #destinationsforalltorino2025

Page last updated: 22 July 2025.

CPD - Consulta per le Persone in Difficoltà is a Full Member of ENAT

ADAPT2EXPLORE Greece. Accessible Tourism in Action, Athens

Ivor Ambrose — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:06:00 GMT

The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway, invites you to a unique Accessible Tourism Seminar and Acropolis Event - connecting persons with disability, professionals, and industry leaders to explore how accessibility creates value for all. Stone by stone – building a more inclusive future - ARI 2025

How Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

For your guests, your business, and your destination

Tourism is growing – and so is the number of travellers with accessibility needs. Over 140 million Europeans require accessible travel solutions – and they travel with families, friends, and colleagues.

This growing group represents both a social responsibility and a business opportunity.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 23 May 2025
Venue: Electra Palace Hotel, Navarchou Nikodimou 18–20, Athens, Greece
Time: From 10:15 to 13:40 followed by walk to and ascent of the Acropolis

Why You Should Join
•    Open your destination to new guest segments
•    Strengthen quality, sustainability, and competitiveness
•    Co-create solutions with persons with disability and accessibility experts
•    Join a growing European movement for accessible travel

What to Expect
•    Expert talks on accessible tourism, trends, and market potential
•    Best practices from Europe and Norway
•    First-hand stories from travellers with accessibility needs
•    Meet representatives from Active Rehabilitation International (ARI)
•    Join a symbolic ascent of the Acropolis with persons with disability – demonstrating access in action.

About the Organiser
The Sunnaas Foundation is a Norwegian NGO empowering persons with spinal cord and brain injuries through rehabilitation and community inclusion. Its initiative Adapt2Explore, supported by Norway’s High North Initiative, helps the tourism industry offer more accessible and economically viable experiences. The foundation collaborates internationally to co-develop practical solutions that benefit both businesses and persons with disability.

Be Part of the Change
•    Attend the Accessible Tourism Seminar and Acropolis Event
•    Connect with tourism professionals, ambassadors, and persons with disability
•    Support Athens as a destination on the path to greater accessibility
•    Contribute to a shared European commitment to participation for all

A Special Highlight: Acropolis Event

The seminar is part of the first-ever International Active Rehabilitation Camp, taking place in Loutraki, Greece, in the same week – gathering 60 participants from 9 countries, including 30 experienced wheelchair users.
The event ends with a symbolic climb to the Acropolis, demonstrating equal access to heritage and society.
The climb will take place via elevator for wheelchair users, while others will walk – symbolising shared effort and unity.

In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Reduced Inequalities - Good Health & Well-being - Sustainable Cities - Innovation & Infrastructure

Update: 28 May 2025
Watch the videos here or on YouTube: A Day to Remember at Sea ARI 2025

Stone by stone – building a more inclusive future - ARI 2025

Downloads (from Downloads section on this page)

Seminar Programme in PDF Format.
Slide presentation by ENAT in PDF Format
Slide presentation by SUUNAAS Foundation in PDF Format
Speech by Marianne Holth Dybwad, CEO, The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway
Speech by Heidi Kjærnes, Project Manager, The Sunnaas Foundation, Norway

Contact

Marianne Holth Dybwad, CEO, The Sunnaas Foundation (Norway)
marianne.dybwad@sunnaasstiftelsen.no | Telephone: +47 971 53 904
Let’s make Athens a symbol of accessibility – together

Suunaasstiftelsen Non-Profit Organisation, Norway.

In partnership with:

Active Rehabilitation International

Alli Opsi, Greece. Non-profit Organisation (English translation: "Other Aspect").

With the participation of ENAT Non-profit Association.

SAVE THE DATE: ENAT Annual General Assembly, Brussels, Wednesday 11th June 2025

Ivor Ambrose — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:27:00 GMT

ENAT welcomes its members to the Annual General Assembly, taking place at the premises of Tourism Flanders and ENAT in the heart of Brussels.

ENAT Annual General Assembly.

Wednesday 11th June 2024.

Time: 10.00 to 13.00 hours, followed by light sandwich lunch.
Venue: The AGA takes place at the premises of VisitFlanders and ENAT at:

Rue du Marché aux Herbes - Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, in the 5th Floor meeting room.

ENAT Full and Associate Members and official Observers are invited to attend the Annual General Assembly (AGA) where the past year's activities and future plans will be presented and discussed.

Registration

Registration is obligatory. Space is limited, Full Members will have priority.

Registrations for the AGA close on Wednesday 28th May.

Register Now

Please reply to this notice as soon as possible, indicating if you will attend the AGA, if you will stay for lunch and if you need any assistance at the venue.

Photo ID is required for entry to the meeting premises.

Voting

Only ENAT Full Members are allowed to vote on motions that are presented at the AGA.

Full Members who cannot attend may give their voting mandate to another Full Member. Each Full Member present may have only one mandate in addition to their own, according to ENAT Statutes.

The AGA Agenda and other documents for the meeting will be sent to the participants no later than 14 days before the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees must cover their own travel and accommodation costs in connection with their attendance at the AGA in Brussels.
ENAT Board Members may opt to receive a support grant of 150.00 Euro towards their travel costs for attending the AGA and Board Meeting.

Members' contributions to the 2024 ENAT Annual Report

ENAT Full Members are requested to send information about their activities carried out in 2024, for inclusion in the 2024 Annual Report.

Your information should reach ENAT no later than Friday 2nd May 2024.

For reference, read the ENAT Annual Report 2023.

Please use the ENAT Contact Form for information about the Annual General Assembly.

We look forward to meeting you in Brussels or Online for the AGA.

Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director

BMZ and UN Tourism Special Session - Breaking Barriers: Pathway to Inclusive Employment and Accessible Tourism

Ivor Ambrose — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:24:00 GMT

Taking place at ITB Berlin International Travel Fair Wednesday 5th March 16:00 - 17:00 (GMT +01:00)

Hall 7.1b Blue Stage Wed, Mar 5, 2025, 16:00 - 17:00 CET

Follow the Livestream: ITB-Convention

Co-hosted by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and UN Tourism, this session explores inclusive employment a cornerstone of equitable development, socio-economic progress, and sustainability of the tourism sector.

Experts will discuss practical approaches for building accessible workplaces and opening new pathways for persons with disabilities, both as workers and clients.

Attached Infographic (above). Session announcement with headshots of speakers
Text: Hall 7.1b Blue Stage
BMZ and UN Tourism Special Session - Breaking Barriers: Pathway to Inclusive Employment and Accessible Tourism
Wed, Mar 5, 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Speakers: Keynote Speaker, Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director at UN Tourism

Moderator: Igor Stefanovic, UN Tourism's Specialist in Accessible Tourism at Coordinator of the UN Tourism Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department

Panelists:

Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director at European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)
Neha Arora, Founder & CEO at Planet Abled
Glenn Mandziuk MEDes. MCIP, Chief Executive Officer at World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
Pablo Maranon, Co-Founder at Latinamerica for All and Huasquila Lodge, Ecuador
Esther Villena, Global Head of Social Sustainability at Amadeus.

German National Tourist Board Presents Accessible Tourism Day at Messe Berlin

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:07:00 GMT

The thirteenth edition of the international trade event on accessible tourism will take place on Wednesday 5th March 2025from 10:30 to 16:30 at Messe Berlin, CityCube, Hall A5 as part of the ITB Tourism Fair.

Venue: Messe Berlin, City Cube, Hall 5 and Online

The German National Tourist Board has prepared the 2025 programme, focusing on the following topics with keynote speeches, presentations and panel discussions:

Barrier-free destination development
Target group-specific offer design
Barrier-free travel for children and young people
Legal framework conditions (European disability act etc.)
Digital innovations and AI
Outlook. Where should accessible tourism be in 10 years' time?

The event will be opened by the Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism, Dieter Janecek, MP, as well as the Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of People with Disabilities, Jürgen Dusel, and André Nowak, spokesperson for the Tourism Working Group at the German Disability Council.

The “Barrier-free Tourism Day” is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.

It is implemented with the support of the state working group “Tourism for All”, the working group “Easier Travel - Barrier-free Holiday Destinations in Germany” and the Tourism Working Group of the German Disability Council (DBR).

The event will be held in German and English, with simultaneous translation.

Sign language, simultaneous and written interpreters will also be available.

Registration and further information

interested parties can take part online free of charge.

Register: https://registration.germany.travel/microsite

Download the Programme in German and English from the Germany.Travel website

FEEL IT - Deaf Travel - Final Conference and Mutual Learning Event

Ivor Ambrose — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Join us in Brussels, where we present and discuss the results of the FEEL IT project, a tourism training initiative funded by the EU ERASMUS+ programme.

The FEEL IT Conference is a mutual learning event with presentations of the project's results by the FEEL IT partners, including specialists in accessible tourism, vocational training and Deaf Travel.

The event features FEEL IT's training videos, with sign language and captioning, as well as a hands-on demonstration of immersive Virtual Reality scenarios, showing how technologies can be used by tourism operators to enhance their services for visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Event Timing: Tuesday 14th January 2024 from 13.30 to 17.00 hours

Venue: Rue du Marche aux Herbes / Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels (VisitFlanders offices, 5th floor). The entrance is via the ground floor. The building has accessible toilets, a lift and step-free access. Pre-registration and photo ID are required to attend the Conference.

Languages: The event will be held in English, with sign languages available in Greek and Romanian. (Other sign languages available on request)

Attendance is Free of Charge.
A sandwich lunch is offered from 12.30 to 13.30 (request lunch in the Registration Form).
Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Registration is now closed.

Agenda

Downloads - available from 21 January 2025 from the Downloads section in PDF Format.

FEEL IT Conference Agenda
FEEL IT Conference Announcement
Presentation 01 Ambrose - Deaf Travel Examples
Presentation 02 Vonica - e-Learning Platform
Presentation 03 Klimis - Curriculum and Course Contents
Presentation 04 Cali - Online Community
Presentation 05 Bourgeios (Guest) - Plain-Pied
Presentation 06 Koutrakis - VR-Video Game and Handbook
Presentation 07 Papadopooulou - Certification
Presentation 08 Conference Evaluation (QR code to participants' survey)

Co-funded by the European Union

EU Legal Disclaimer: The European Commission support for this event does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

For more information, visit the FEEL IT Website: