The Holiday Participation Centre,

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1 The Holiday Participation Centre, VISITFLANDERS September 3rd, 2015 Geneviève Delefortrie

2 Poverty in Flanders Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie 15.3% (1,656,800 people) Of the Belgium population in poverty 130,000 children (0-17 years) 9.8% In Flanders 19.6% family s that are not able to afford one week s holiday 21.7% children

3 The importance of holidays Relaxation New experiences and skills Independence and selfconfidence Mental and physical health Social interactions and the strengthening of relationships

4 VISITFLANDERS (government) The Holiday Participation Centre Public private cooperation Tourism industry Social organisations 2000 partners

5 Social target groups with specific holiday barriers also form an important economic market, which is not sufficiently explored by tourist entrepreneurs. Tourism is for everyone, it creates more diversity in the holiday offer, prolongs the season and broadens the flow of income. Ben Weyts, Flemish Minister of Tourism

6 Target group Those facing barriers they cannot overcome alone (newly combined) families Single parents People with health problems Seniors Etnic minorities Young people and children (holiday camps) Living groups

7 The Holiday Participation Centre Promote offer: special rates provided by tourism partners to people in poverty, who for different reasons are unable to take a holiday Tailor-made booking centre : contact point for holidaymakers, social organisations and holiday providers Stimulate sustainable partnerships in the tourism industry Explore the international context Once a year, an event is organised were holiday providers, desk staff, social organisations and holidaymakers were welcomed: Forum Holiday Participation

8 barrier Overcome barriers Individual holidays Supervised group holiday, supervisors and participants unknown Individual day trip Supervised group holiday, supervisors and participants known Group day trip, supervised duration

9 Why do the partners in the tourism industry participate? Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie Contribute to the right to go on holidays We always place an information booklet about the Holiday Participation Centre in all our guest rooms. We think it is important that all customers know that we support the idea that Holidays are for everyone. Eric and Dominique Jadoul-Gielen Hoeve Jadoul

10 Why do the partners in the tourism industry participate? Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie Corporate social responsibility We welcome everyone, including people with a disability or a tight budget. It s a way for a company to show its true colours, reach more consumers, discover more opportunities, launch innovations and have a positive image.

11 REASON TO JOIN Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie FREE Promotion -in the holidays and day trip guide -on the website -in the newsletter -in the holiday makers information booklet

12 REASON TO JOIN Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie Extra occupancy during high and off seasons. Flexibility in times and types of offer A decision that resulted in compliments, positive reactions and extra bookings.

13 REASON TO JOIN Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie New public My children s best holiday memories are thanks to holiday participation centre. Lieven Holiday maker

14 REASON TO JOIN Bron: Steunpunt vakantieparticipatie Discount = nett discount for consumer (no commmissions or fees) We do not provide subsidies and do not ask for holidays free of charge. It is a question of pride: less advantaged people also want to pay for services just like everyone else. Marianne Schapmans Director Holiday Participation Centre

15 Example: tourism partner Vayamundo Holidays

16 The Holiday Participation Centre VISITFLANDERS Grasmarkt Brussels Tel vakantieparticipatie@toerismevlaanderen.be