Accessible Tourism Taskforce
Accessible Tourism Taskforce NECSTouR The Next Tourism! Launch 2007 Creation: 2009 o Network of European Regions, associated with representatives of the tourism entreprises, tourism associations and universities/research institutes aiming at: 1. Strenghening the Role of Regions in the European Tourism Policy 2. Develop a strong framework for cooperation at European level 3. Develop research & a model of Sustainable tourism management In the framework of Necstour : Accessible Tourism Taskforce
Accessible Tourism Taskforce ocoordinators oveneto & Ile de France oobjective Develop an action plan for accessible destinations Cooperation with all stakeholders at European and International level Contribute to the European Tourism and accessibility policy oprinciples oaccessible Tourism = responsible Tourism Sustainable Tourism osocial DIALOGUE ocompetitiveness omeasurability
Accessible Tourism Taskforce The taskforce members : Feder Cultura Turismo Sport
First Step : a common definition of accessible tourism Accessible tourism means dealing with the entire holiday value chain to make services and facilities without obstacles and difficulties for everyone in an inclusive way and designed for all. Consultation and collaboration with all private and public partners is essential. It is a key word for quality and competitiveness in tourism. Tourism accessibility must be conceived as a factor that is intrinsic to the quality of tourism products. To increase the accessibility of the touristic area, information is important to improve mobility, inclusion and territorial cohesion. That will provide a new demand for the accessible regions.
Accessible Tourism Taskforce Action Date Official presentation of the taskforce November 2012 Birth of the taskforce - 1st meeting of the members 28th November 2012 Starting a peer review - 2nd meeting 11th June 2013 Peer review - 3rd meeting 21st October 2013 Results of the peer review January 2014 Creating accessible products in Europe 2014
Taskforce accessible tourism The peer review Paris Ile-de-France Tourism Board Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Well known from cultural places We cannot reach everyone Partnerships with various federations, associations Accessibility issues imply many stakeholders We know accessibility stakeholders A toolbox : www.pro.visitparisregion.com We need communication and promotion Public transport and public infrastructure still need work. Handistrict.com NECSTouR and ENAT Still a negative image of accessibility : obligation instead of opportunity Central and neutral position
The peer review Regione Veneto Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats GITANDO.ALL FAIR Knowledge on the whole accessible value chain The european commission strategy Lack of Accessible Communication ICT and toolkit The Project Of Excellence (founds) Design The international fairs and congresses Accessible Transports and connections The Task Force Necstour and ENAT Connection with Europe
The peer review Catalunya Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Quantity and quality of accessible tourism destinations A strong communication: www.turismeperatothom.com Usability and Accessibility Subtitled and signed audiovisual material Education and Training for Accessible Tourism Dispersion of the requirements and pictograph in accessible tourism among outbound tourism markets Increased tourist arrivals Deseasonalization Specialized tour operators without training or experience Intrusion of nonprofessionals in this field Raised awareness tourism sector (public & private) Public-private collaboration Lack of coordination among the different areas related to tourism activity Few incoming agencies in Catalonia, specialized in accessible tourism Improvement of quality of life in local people Improving the image as a responsible tourist destination Possible lack of investment from the tourism sector
The peer review Flanders Strength Weaknesses Opportunities Threats No label scores (yet) for visual or hearing Support by disability impairments, learning community disabilities. Database with detailed accessible info of many points of interest. WW1 project: accessible travel destination Accessible accommodations, tourist information offices and events. Promotional exploration is still in an early stage. Public transport and public infrastructure still need work. Other touristic areas want to be an accessible travel destination, too. Restaurants & pubs, museums, etc. are interested in label system. Keeping the database up to date Must not rest on our laurels The accessible travel value chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
And now? New meetings for the peer review Accessible Tourism Itineraries among the taskforce members Creating accessible products And lobbying
Accessible Tourism Taskforce Join us!
Thank you for your attention. Francoise.guaspare@iledefrance-europe.eu anna.breda@regione.veneto.it info@necstour.eu twitter.com/necstour www.necstour.eu