Earlier this year, the Commission published the Transition Pathway for Tourism.
The transition pathway is a plan jointly created with actors of the tourism ecosystem detailing key actions, targets, and conditions to achieve the green and digital transitions and long-term resilience of the sector. This report highlights how the European Union (EU), will support the increase in tourism in a sustainable and inclusive way.
The Commission is now inviting stakeholders to get involved through a “call for commitments”. These can mean:
- showing evidence that stakeholders are committed to the objectives of the Transition Pathway and taking concrete actions;
- demonstrating leadership and good examples in tourism transition;
- helping with the recognition of critical areas for EU-level support;
We are glad to notice that accessibility is mentioned several times, and dedicated actions have been developed:
- Mentions of accessibility in topic 3 (p8), “Improving statistics and indicators for tourism”: “tourism strategies should pay close attention to inclusiveness and accessibility, including for persons with disabilities”.
- Page 18, in a section devoted to “Renovation and design to improve energy and resource efficiency, accessibility and resilience”: “the accessibility requirements in the European Accessibility Act can contribute to improving the accessibility and inclusiveness of the building” and “for tourism, this should also be used to improve the accessibility, attractiveness, and functionality of the space for observing safety and health-related possible exceptional measures, as has been”;
- Page 25, in topic 20 on “Awareness raising on changes in tourism demand and the opportunities of twin transition for tourism”, foresees the creation of a “supporting networking and best practice sharing by award-winning cities in Europe on smart tourism, culture, sustainability, innovation, accessibility, and European heritage”;
- Page 27-28, in topic 24 on “Fairness and equality in tourism jobs”, with a mention of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030.
- Page 28, in topic 25 on “Enhancing accessible tourism services” mentions the necessity to raise awareness of the importance of accessibility in tourism.
At the end of the report, readers can also find a table summarising the actions, actors, and outputs to which the pathway applies.
The report is available on the Publications Office of the European Union’s website in 22 languages.
Image credit: © European Commission