This blog is about the overall objective of a new project the European Disability Forum (EDF) joined in March 2023: “Accessible Spaces for All”. One of the main objectives of EDF in this project is to make the tourist sector more aware of the needs of all persons with disabilities. We hope this project will contribute to a more accessible and inclusive travel experience for all, including persons with disabilities.
In this article, I wish to share some good practices and learnings regarding accessible tourism that EDF has gathered from persons with disabilities and member organisations. You will read about initiatives, awards, tools, and real-life experiences, all aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility when travelling across Europe. We hope these practices will motivate you to travel and to enjoy your holidays and leisure time.
Accessible tourism and real-life experiences
Travelling to Spain
Travelling to Spain has been a positive experience for some of our members. Spain has been actively promoting accessible tourism for persons with disabilities through various initiatives and measures. Explore Spain’s dedication to accessibility standards and certification programs, ensuring inclusive travel experiences for all visitors. Visit the Spanish government’s website for more information.
Inclusive travel companies
Deaf travellers enjoyed travelling with organisations that provide tailored experiences and sign language interpretation, such as Hands-On Travel’s immersive tours and S5’s adventure travels.
Accessible accommodations
People with disabilities have also told us about the Scandic Hotels’ accessible accommodations and comprehensive accessibility standards, setting a benchmark for hospitality excellence. Scandic Hotels is a leading hotel chain in the Nordic region and has implemented several initiatives and standards to improve tourism for persons with disabilities. Learn about their initiatives and commitments on the Scandic Hotels website.
Adapted holidays
The most significant problems for parents with and autistic children during their holidays, is the lack of free time away from their demanding day-to-day life, and the limited solutions that are geographically restricted and that offer no flexibility to enjoy a relaxed family holidays in a desirable destination. Holidays are usually something very distant from the minds of families and autistic people.
These are the words of Aggeliki Menni, co-partner of “Α million senses”, an initiative that offers holiday packages in Greece designed and adapted to the specificities of each family with a member on the autism spectrum.
Championing Accessibility: European Initiatives
The European Union has been working for some years to make cities and travel more accessible for everyone. Here are a few examples of the tools and Awards that promote accessible tourism:
Access City Awards
The Access City Awards celebrate European cities at the forefront of accessibility innovation. From urban planning to tourism services, these cities set inspiring examples for others to follow. Learn more about past winners and their impactful strategies on the European Commission’s website.
Accessible Airport Awards
Recognizing outstanding commitment to accessibility, the EDF – ACI (Airports Council International) Europe Accessible Airport Award spotlights airports that go above and beyond to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers with disabilities. Discover more about this award and its winners on EDF’s website. ACI-Europe has also recently published a guide on how to assist passengers with non-visible disabilities. The guide includes good practices from various airports in Europe.
European Network on Accessible Tourism (ENAT)
ENAT advocates for inclusive tourism initiatives across Europe. By collaborating with governments, businesses, and representative organisations of persons with disabilities, ENAT strives to remove barriers to travel and ensure everyone can participate fully in tourism activities. More information on ENAT’s website.
Accessible EU
As a flagship initiative under the European Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, AccessibleEU plays a pivotal role in promoting accessibility across various domains. Dive into AccessibleEU’s resource center, featuring standards, guidelines, and best practices for accessible tourism, on the AccessibleEU website.
Tools for Enhanced Accessibility
- Use accessible transport tools and travel apps like Google Maps, Wheelmap and Tabifolk, providing invaluable information for travelling in an accessible way.
- Enjoy the beaches in Greece with Seatrac, an innovative system designed to provide accessibility for persons with mobility impairments, and to allow for a safe and dignified bathing experience.
- Experience inclusive cultural heritage sites with initiatives like the Bitola Concept which provides visitors with visual impairments with various ways to discover the museum’s art collection: tactile images and tactile copies, a museum in a suitcase, audio stories, etc. Uncover resources and tools for persons with visual impairments, including the EBU Access Cast and World Braille Usage.
- Have a look also at the guide on Best practices of inclusion– examples from Ukrainian museums, and the outcomes of the ACCEASY project promoting inclusive and accessible European heritage for people with intellectual disabilities and/or cognitive difficulties.
Contact
More information about the Accessible Spaces for All project is on EDF’s website.
If you have any questions, please write to the EDF’s Human Rights Coordinator An-Sofie Leenknecht at ansofie.leenknecht@edf-feph.org.