The Republic of San Marino, following the first edition held in 2014, will once again host the UNWTO European Conference on Accessible Tourism. The event, scheduled for November 16th and 17th, 2023, aims to promote inclusive tourism policies that ensure full access and enjoyment of tourist services for people of all ages and conditions.
Breaking down the barriers that still prevent people with disabilities from experiencing a trip or a stay is an increasingly prioritized goal among industry operators. The conference in November will be an opportunity to take stock of the progress made so far and explore possible developments.
Guidelines for an adequate tourism offering
One of the topics for discussion will be the implementation of ISO 21902, the first comprehensive international standard on accessible tourism. Published in the summer of 2021, this document sets the requirements and guidelines to concretely realize the idea of tourism open to all. It addresses operators throughout the entire supply chain, both public and private, at the local, national, and international levels. Consequently, it serves as the reference standard for harmonizing accessible tourism policies globally and overcoming the existing differences between countries.
What does it mean, for example, for a beach or a seaside establishment to be “accessible”? In concrete terms, it means that the necessary equipment is available to overcome architectural barriers, such as ramps and walkways, including those for entering the water, for individuals with reduced mobility. It includes accessible toilets and showers, handrails, stable flooring, clear and simple signage, use of images and graphical symbols, reserved parking, and more.
And this should apply wherever a beach is declared “accessible.” By following the guidelines of ISO 21902, all countries must be capable of offering adequate standards and adapting their tourism offerings and facilities to accommodate everyone.
A potential market of 87 million people
The attention given to the issue of equal access also reflects the economic interest associated with it. Making tourist offerings accessible to everyone means conquering a new clientele that has been marginalized until now. According to Eurostat 2022 data, this potential market in the European Union alone consists of 87 million people who have some form of disability (approximately one-quarter of all European citizens). This number increases significantly when including companions.
Moreover, globally, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates 1.3 billion people with significant disabilities. With the aging population, these figures can only grow. Therefore, capturing this new clientele is a significant challenge but also a great opportunity for the entire tourism industry.
Photo credits: UNWTO
