At the Hospitality – Il Salone dell’Accoglienza trade fair in Riva del Garda, accessibility and sustainability in tourism took center stage in a panel discussion organized by FAITA-FederCamping, FAITA Trentino, and Village for All – V4A. The event saw the presentation of the Operational manual for sustainability and accessible hospitality, the result of collaboration with the National Bilateral Tourism Authority. The goal? To provide hospitality operators with concrete tools to enhance the inclusivity of open-air accommodations.
Accessibility: an added value, not a problem
Marco Sperapani, National Secretary of FAITA-FederCamping, emphasized how accessibility has become a hallmark of quality hospitality, rather than an obstacle. This concept was echoed by Fabio Poletti, President of FAITA Trentino, who stressed that a person with disabilities is, first and foremost, a tourist with specific needs.
Roberto Vitali, CEO of Village for All (V4A), pointed out the inadequacy of the wheelchair symbol as the sole indicator of accessibility. In Italy, data from the 2021 Disability Register reports 7.6 million people with disabilities. However, if we also consider those who have faced temporary limitations due to injuries or illnesses, this number rises by another 12.6 million people. This means that one-third of the Italian population has accessibility needs.
Inclusivity and economic benefits
A common misconception is that accessibility is a financial burden. However, experts argue that it is a strategic investment. Inclusivity brings tangible economic benefits: in 2024, accommodations on the Venetian Coast reported up to a 15% increase in revenue due to their focus on accessible hospitality. Additionally, there are advantages in innovation, social responsibility (the “S” in ESG), and corporate reputation.
The panel highlighted that accessibility is not a niche concern but a core element of modern hospitality quality. Training, careful design, and the right tools are essential to ensure a truly inclusive travel experience. The Operational manual for sustainability and accessible hospitality serves as a practical guide for industry operators, encouraging more facilities to recognize the value of an open, sustainable, and accessible hospitality model.
A project for 360-degree sustainability
The event also provided an update on the development of an ESG protocol for the open-air sector, aimed at integrating sustainability in all its aspects – from environmental management to inclusivity and guest well-being. The initiative goes beyond simply reducing ecological impact; it seeks to create a model that ensures greater accessibility, safety, and compliance with both Italian and European regulations.
The project began a few years ago with a pilot program involving 10 structures along the Adriatic coast and in the Marche region’s inland areas. Developed in collaboration with IMQ eAmbiente, V4A, and Legambiente, the structured protocol analyzes several key aspects of facility management, including energy efficiency, resource circularity, water and land conservation, health and safety, sustainability education, and mobility. The integration of inclusivity and accessibility has been a crucial evolution, leading to a 2.0 version of the protocol where these elements are no longer treated separately but as an integral part of the broader sustainability approach.
In 2024, the project expanded to include a growing number of regional structures, with plans for 2025 to introduce a digital platform designed to help hospitality operators manage sustainability more effectively and measurably. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to provide tourism operators with concrete tools to enhance sustainability—not just environmentally, but also economically and socially—ensuring that the future of open-air hospitality is both inclusive and sustainable.
Hospitality celebrates its 50th edition with beverage innovation and a focus on outdoor tourism