UNWTO and San Marino to organise the European Conference on Accessible Tourism

02-06-23

• The Republic of San Marino will host the second edition of the UNWTO European Conference on Accessible Tourism in November, 16-17 November 2023.

• The Minister of Tourism of the Republic of San Marino, Federico Pedini Amati made the announcement during the 68th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe held in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, 

UNWTO is committed to guiding the global tourism sector towards greater accessibility and inclusiveness by promoting UNWTO's commitment to open tourism to all, and the Conference will showcase innovation, public-private partnerships and inclusive policy-making.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disability, which hinders participation in tourism.  

Approximately a quarter of the EU population, i.e. 87 million people, already have some form of disability (EUROSTAT).

Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to cultural, sporting, recreational and tourism facilities, activities and services.  

UNWTO: Developing more accessible tourism

• In June 2021, ISO published the first comprehensive international standard on accessible tourism, ISO 21902 Accessible Tourism for All. UNWTO and its partners led the development of this new global guidance tool.

• UNE-ISO 21902 sets out requirements and recommendations for accessible tourism.  

• It is aimed at service providers and tour operators, as well as public administrations and tourist destinations.  

Towards the 2nd European Conference on Accessible Tourism  

• UNWTO and San Marino will provide a platform for governments, destinations, the private sector and civil society to discuss the best ways to prioritise accessibility in any tourism policy or strategy.

• The Conference will clearly indicate the many benefits of more accessible tourism, from creating jobs and boosting economies to enabling more people to travel and strengthening international solidarity and cooperation.  

• The Conference will also discuss how the application of universal design principles and innovative solutions to make natural and cultural environments more accessible will make a difference.