From ENAT: International Seminar for Tourist Boards

Grand Place, Brussels. Photo by Cherouvim

Brussels, 16 to 17 May 2011. Organised by ENAT, this seminar aims to give added impetus to Tourist Boards and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) that are spearheading the development of accessible tourism, helping them to develop their business, role and reputation as sector leaders, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The Seminar will be held at the premises of the host organisation, Tourism Flanders, Grasmarkt, (off Grand Place), Brussels, Belgium.

Facilitated by ENAT Board Members and invited speakers, the seminar will include interactive sessions where all participants may present and discuss experiences and issues which they wish to share. The number of participants will be restricted to no more than 15 persons, in order to ensure satisfactory conditions for dialogue and discussion.

More on the event: http://www.accessibletourism.org/?i=enat.en.events.1124

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• A recent interview included the following overview of needs in this sector:

What areas still need to be improved?

According to Mr. Ivor Ambrose, Managing Director of ENAT, accessible tourism is about making the whole tourism experience inclusive and accessible to all visitors.

Therefore it is important to address all aspects of the tourism value chain, to meet the needs of the wide range of target groups.

• Information for customers, (on-line, printed and at the venue) should be accessible, e.g. Web sites conforming to Accessibility Guidelines by W3C-WAI.
• Transport and transfers must be accessible for all travellers throughout the journey; this should include the provision of wheelchair accessible transport.
• Infrastructure - all buildings and outdoor environments should be designed and maintained in a way that makes them accessible and usable by all visitors.
• Services - including activities and excursions offered at destinations and venues, should be accessible; e.g. tourist guides, waiter service, cultural tours, festivals and events, also very important - emergency evacuation procedures. 
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