Ilunion Accessibility and CATA join forces to promote Accessible Tourism in Central America
16-08-24
Ilunion Accessibility and the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA) have joined forces to promote the development of accessible tourism destinations and establishments in the Central American region. Aware of the importance of inclusion and accessibility in the tourism sector, both organizations seek to provide the tourism industry with the knowledge and tools necessary to make tourism an inclusive and accessible space for all people, regardless of their abilities.
Ilunion Accessibility, a company of the ONCE social group and Special Employment Center (CEE), has a long history of 25 years in the promotion of accessibility. With 70% of its workforce made up of people with disabilities, Ilunion Accesibilidad is a benchmark in the creation of physical and digital environments that can be understood and used by all people on equal terms. Its mission is aligned with the fundamental rights of leisure, culture and tourism, which are recognized in various international and national legal documents.
Accessible tourism is essential in a society where social welfare and quality of life are paramount. However, people with disabilities continue to be one of the most neglected groups in the tourism sector. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 16% of the world's population has some form of disability, equivalent to 1.3 billion people. Added to this is the aging of the global population: the UN projects that the number of people over the age of 65 will double by 2050, reaching 1.6 billion. Together, these groups represent 1 in 3 people in the world with more specific accessibility needs.
Accessibility in tourism is not only a matter of rights, but also a strategic opportunity for the sector. Applying accessibility criteria, such as universal design, from the planning to the execution of tourism services and products, not only benefits people with disabilities, but also enhances the experience of all travelers. Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can fully enjoy the tourism experience, from transportation and accommodation to cultural and leisure activities.
Accessible tourism implies a complete integration of accessibility throughout the tourism value chain. This ranges from trip planning, travel to the destination, and accessibility in accommodations, restaurants, cultural activities, urban and natural spaces, to the return to the place of origin. The inclusion of these principles not only improves the quality of the tourism offer, creating more comfortable and user-friendly spaces for all, but also increases market share by attracting a growing segment of customers with specific needs.
In addition, accessibility strengthens the image and reputation of tourism companies and destinations. Meeting accessibility standards not only demonstrates a commitment to current legislation, but also aligns organizations with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These standards are increasingly valued by consumers and can be a decisive factor when choosing a destination or tourism service.
Accessibility is also one of the five fundamental axes of smart destinations. According to UNE 178501:2018 on the management of Smart Tourism Destinations, and UNE 178510:2023 on the management and transformation of Smart Tourism Enterprises, accessibility is key to the evolution of tourism in an increasingly digital and connected context.
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