ATACC promotes accessible tourism in the Americas at the ANATO 2025 Tourism Showcase (Colombia)
01-03-25
The Alianza de Turismo Accesible (ATACC) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and barrier-free tourism in the region by consolidating its presence at Vitrina Turística ANATO 2025, the sector's most important event in Colombia. During three days of intense sessions, the organisation has established strategic alliances and promoted key initiatives that will transform accessibility in the tourism industry, laying the foundations for a more equitable and sustainable future for all travellers.
Day 1: partnerships for an accessible future
From the start of the event, ATACC, represented by its General Manager, Stephanie Sheehy and country director in Colombia, Luz Marina, held meetings with key stakeholders in the tourism sector.
These conversations were fundamental to strengthen collaboration between various entities and ensure the implementation of accessibility strategies throughout the country.
Stephanie Sheehy, General Manager of ATTAC and the National Director in Colombia, Luz Marina
Highlights of the first day's meetings included:
Secretariat of Tourism and Entertainment of Medellín: Addressed the need to monetise accessible tourism, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and socially responsible economic driver.
The discussion focused on the creation of incentives and business models that allow companies and destinations to benefit economically while fostering inclusion.
Fenalco: A dialogue was established with Ms. Patricia and Ms. Thelma Gómez on the possibility of working together on accessibility projects with Fenalco members. This collaboration represents a key opportunity to incorporate inclusive practices within commerce and hospitality.
COTELCO: The importance of implementing verification and continuous improvement processes in inclusive hospitality was emphasised. A strategic alliance was proposed to train hotels on accessibility, ensuring that facilities and services are truly inclusive for all tourists.
Day 2: expanding the accessibility agenda
The second day of the event was marked by expanding contacts and deepening concrete strategies to promote inclusion in tourism. ATACC participated in important meetings and conferences, highlighting the following initiatives:
Word Religious Tourism Network: The organisation accompanied the press conference on the 1st Itinerant Congress of the Jubilee Year Tourism 2025, a key opportunity to promote accessibility in religious tourism and encourage the participation of travellers with disabilities in events of this type.
CONFEGUÍAS (Confederation of Colombian Tourist Guides): A dialogue was opened for the confederation to become a member of ATACC. In addition, the possibility of offering accessibility training for tour guides was discussed, ensuring that they can adequately serve people with disabilities and specific needs.
COLAP (Colombian Association of Attractions and Parks): A pilot plan for inclusion and accessibility in amusement parks and tourist attractions was proposed. This initiative seeks to eliminate architectural barriers and improve the experience of visitors with reduced mobility.
FONTUR (National Tourism Fund): The need to allocate funds for projects to improve accessibility in tourism infrastructure was discussed. Funding mechanisms were explored so that tour operators and destinations can access resources and adapt their services.
Governors of Magdalena, La Guajira and representatives of Bucaramanga: Work was done on the creation of strategies and pilot projects to improve accessibility in each destination. This effort seeks to position these regions as benchmarks for accessible tourism in Colombia.
Day 3: closing with impact and new opportunities
The third and final day of ANATO 2025 served to consolidate agreements and generate new opportunities for collaboration. Key meetings were held with representatives from different regions and tourism sectors:
Risaralda District: the groundwork was laid for the region's membership of ATACC and collaboration with the director of tourism, Giovana Gallo. Risaralda is expected to become a model of accessible tourism in the country.
Department of Caldas: Andrés Sierra, advisor to the department, expressed interest in developing a tourism accessibility plan for the region, ensuring that visitors with disabilities have adapted options and specialised services.
Accessible tourism entrepreneurs in Ibagué: Support was provided to tour operators with key information and a roadmap was established to strengthen accessibility in the city. The commitment of these entrepreneurs is fundamental to expand the offer of inclusive tourism in Colombia.
ATACC, a driver of change in accessible tourism
ATACC's participation in ANATO 2025 has been a milestone for the promotion of accessible tourism in Colombia and the region. The strategic alliances and commitments acquired during these three days will allow the implementation of tangible projects that will transform the tourism experience for all people, regardless of their mobility conditions or abilities.
Beyond an equity issue, tourism accessibility is positioned as an opportunity for growth and innovation for the industry. The growing demand for inclusive services represents a potentially lucrative and sustainable market. ATACC will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that accessibility is a fundamental pillar of tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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