Public administrations and tourism offices emphasised the need to improve information and communication on accessibility, strengthen international cooperation and promote employment for people with disabilities. They also highlighted the role of innovation and data in raising awareness and attracting investment in the sector.
Private sector actors, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WHSA) and leading tour operators such as Sage Travelling and Holmeswood Coaches, underlined the importance of harmonising accessibility standards, harnessing technology for universal marketing and measuring the impact of inclusive policies.
Accessible Tourism Alliance and its global role
A key player in this process is the Accessible Tourism Alliance, a programme of the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT), which is playing a crucial role in promoting and developing accessible tourism initiatives internationally. This alliance works with governments, businesses and third sector organisations to promote the creation of inclusive tourism destinations and experiences. Its work focuses on research, training and the implementation of best practices, ensuring that accessibility is a standard within the industry.
Collaboration between governments, businesses and advocacy groups is driving accessible tourism as an essential component of the global travel industry, ensuring more inclusive experiences for millions of travellers worldwide.
Defining accessible tourism
According to UNWTO, accessible tourism involves a collaborative process among stakeholders to provide universally designed tourism products, services and environments that enable people with special access needs, such as mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive abilities, to enjoy tourism experiences independently, with dignity and on equal terms.
This approach not only benefits people with permanent disabilities, but also other groups, such as older people, families with young children and those with temporary disabilities. Accessibility in tourism translates into a more comfortable and safer experience for all.
Social and economic benefits of accessible tourism
Accessible tourism has social advantages and benefits, as it is a factor of social inclusion and can represent a business opportunity. In addition to being a social responsibility, accessible tourism represents new business opportunities. We cannot claim that there is no market when our tourism facilities or resources are not ready; let's be honest and speak properly: we are not ready to receive this important market segment.
Current trends in accessible tourism
The current trend is to integrate design for all within the concept of accessible tourism, contributing global factors such as the broadening of the population groups involved, the link between disability and the elderly, and accessibility as a useful factor for as many people as possible. This integration seeks to make accessibility a fundamental part of tourism quality, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy tourism experiences.
A number of initiatives around the world are setting the standard in accessible tourism. For example, the Iguazu Falls in Argentina have adapted their infrastructure with walkways and ramps to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility, allowing all visitors to enjoy this majestic natural destination. In Europe, the Somontano region in Spain, through the Saborea Guara Somontano Tourism Sustainability Plan, has audited 25 companies and a dozen wine and food and wine tourism resources to learn about and improve their accessibility.
Technology plays a crucial role in the promotion of accessible tourism. Digital tools, mobile applications and online platforms are facilitating the planning and execution of trips for people with diverse needs. In addition, the implementation of assistive technologies, such as audio guides for people with visual impairments or subtitles on videos for people with hearing impairments, is enriching the tourism experience and making it more inclusive.
