Accessible tourism is evolving as Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and Uzbekistan lead the way.
A new report, Advancing Accessible Tourism for Destinations, Companies, and People, developed by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of San Marino and AccessibleEU, highlights groundbreaking progress in accessible tourism. This report presents 25 good practices from Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.
The report focuses on key areas where accessibility is improving, including:
- Cultural and nature-based tourism
- Festivals and pilgrimage routes
- Urban and rural tourism experiences
- Sports and mega-events
- Shopping tourism
- Transportation accessibility
FITUR 2025: A Launchpad for Inclusive Tourism Initiatives
The findings were officially launched at the 2025 FITUR international tourism trade fair, a major global platform for tourism innovation. FITUR served as a space for dialogue between governments, businesses, and accessibility advocates to further the cause of inclusive tourism.
Governments and Businesses Unite for Accessible Travel
At FITUR, a special side event, organized by UN Tourism and AccessibleEU with the support of the ONCE Foundation, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), and ILUNION Accesibilidad, marked two decades of achievements in accessible tourism.
Key Priorities for Governments:
- Enhancing Accessibility Awareness:
Governments stressed the importance of clear communication about accessible offerings to improve visitor comfort, safety, and the overall travel experience. - Strengthening Global Cooperation:
Accessibility leaders emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration to track and support the global accessible tourism market. - Creating More Employment Opportunities:
There is a strong push for increased workforce participation by people with disabilities in the tourism sector. - Leveraging Innovation and Data:
Using digital solutions and research to improve accessibility awareness and attract investments in inclusive tourism.
How the Private Sector is Driving Change
Key players in the tourism industry, including UN Tourism Affiliate Members and strategic partners like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WHSA), are actively working to integrate accessibility into their business strategies.
Key commitments include:
- Standardizing Accessibility Measures: Creating industry-wide accessibility guidelines to simplify compliance.
- Leveraging Technology: Using AI, apps, and digital platforms to promote accessible travel experiences.
- Measuring Impact: Developing tools to track the effects of accessibility improvements on employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Embedding Accessibility in Business Models: Making accessibility a fundamental part of corporate strategies.
UN Tourism’s Commitment to Accessible Travel
As the United Nations agency responsible for global tourism, UN Tourism plays a critical role in advocating for accessible tourism worldwide. The organization promotes sustainable, responsible, and inclusive tourism policies that drive economic growth and improve social equity.
UN Tourism’s Core Focus Areas
- Mainstreaming Tourism in Global Policies
UN Tourism works to establish tourism as a key driver of socio-economic growth and development at both national and international levels. - Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Supporting policies that respect cultural heritage, protect the environment, and create economic opportunities. - Fostering Education & Capacity Building
Providing training, research, and policy recommendations to help countries improve accessibility and inclusivity in tourism. - Boosting Tourism Competitiveness
Supporting UN Tourism Members through data-driven strategies, market insights, and innovation in tourism development. - Reducing Poverty Through Tourism
Utilizing tourism as a tool for economic development and social inclusion, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Building Global Partnerships
Collaborating with governments, private sector leaders, academia, and non-profit organizations to create a more inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.
Global Momentum for Accessible Tourism
Countries and businesses worldwide are embracing accessibility as a core element of tourism growth. With increasing awareness, policy changes, and technological innovations, accessible tourism is becoming a powerful force for inclusivity, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
As the conversation on inclusive tourism continues, governments, businesses, and advocacy groups must work together to remove barriers and create a truly inclusive travel experience for all.
The post Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, The UK, And Uzbekistan Are Pioneering The Future Of Transformative, Inclusive, And Accessible Tourism appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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