Montevideo receives award at FITUR for its proposal for Inclusive Tourism

31-01-25

At the recent 45th edition of the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) held in Madrid, Montevideo was honored with the prestigious FITUR4all award, given by the International Tourism Trade Fair and Impulsa Igualdad. This award recognizes the Uruguayan capital for its commitment to accessibility and inclusion in the tourism sector, consolidating it as an innovative destination and a benchmark in the field. 

The award-winning project, known as “Circuito Turístico Accesible de Montevideo”, was designed to offer inclusive experiences for people with disabilities, covering the entire tourism value chain, from accommodations to cultural points of interest. This initiative was previously recognized with the Competitive Fund for the development of accessible tourist circuits, promoted by the Ministries of Tourism and Social Development of Uruguay, with the support of various public and private institutions, such as the Solis Theater, the Agricultural Market, the Parque de la Amistad and local tour operators. 

In addition to the circuit, Montevideo has implemented a series of actions to promote accessibility in tourism. Among them, the “Accessible Tourism with a Human Rights Perspective” course stands out, which in 2024 trained 285 people, providing them with tools to offer inclusive and quality tourism services. In addition, the “Guía de Turismo Accesible” (Accessible Tourism Guide) was developed, which contains detailed information on adapted services in the city, making it easier for visitors with disabilities to plan their tours. Accessibility surveys were also conducted in hotels, wineries and museums, and good practices were promoted through the DTI 300 Years Fund, encouraging tour operators to adopt inclusive measures in their services. 

Within the framework of FITUR, the acting director of Montevideo's Tourism Division, Karina Fortete, participated in the panel “The internationalization of the DTI model,” where she shared the city's progress and challenges as a smart tourist destination. This approach combines technology, sustainability and inclusion, consolidating Montevideo as an innovative city in its tourism strategy. 

The Montevideo delegation also took advantage of the event to promote various tourism offerings of the Uruguayan capital, such as religious tourism, sports and wine tourism. In this line, the project “Religious Tourism MVD 360” was presented, an initiative highlighted within the DTI 300 years Fund, which seeks to offer interactive and innovative experiences in this segment. 

This international recognition is not the first Montevideo has received for its efforts in accessibility. Previously, the Municipality of Montevideo won first prize in the Accessible Tourism category at the Accessibility Institute Awards (IDA), an award that highlights inclusive initiatives in Latin America and Spain. This prize was awarded to the “Circuito Turístico Accesible de Montevideo,” a pioneering project that integrates the entire tourism value chain to ensure that people with disabilities can fully enjoy the Uruguayan capital. This achievement reflects the Municipality's commitment to inclusion, through sustained work in the creation of tourism experiences for all. 

The “Accessible Tourist Circuit of Montevideo” includes outstanding resources such as the Accessible Guide of Montevideo, audio descriptions of tourist attractions and a promotional video designed with an inclusive approach. These tools are available on the destination's official website, promoting universal access to information. In addition, training has been implemented for tour operators, neighbors and other key stakeholders. Among the courses offered are “Introduction to Tourism”, “Tourist Hosting” and “Sustainability and Tourism”, initiatives that strengthen awareness and preparation in accessibility. 

With this recognition, Montevideo consolidates its position as a regional benchmark in inclusive tourism, reaffirming its commitment to continue advancing in proposals that guarantee universal access and equal opportunities in the enjoyment of its heritage. The city continues to advance in its global positioning as an accessible and sustainable tourist destination, demonstrating that tourism can be a powerful tool for inclusion and development. 

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