Accessible tourism for all
Framework
Accessibility in tourism is a fundamental pillar for promoting inclusive and equitable destinations, ensuring that all individuals can fully enjoy tourist experiences. It should be understood comprehensively, not limited to people with disabilities, but including all citizens, guaranteeing conditions for the equitable, comfortable, and safe use of tourist spaces, services, and experiences, considering not only physical barriers but also communicational, social, and psychological ones.
It is estimated that around 15% of the world’s population lives with some type of disability, facing daily physical, sensory, cognitive, and informational barriers that limit their participation in tourism. In this context, initiatives such as the ISO 21902 standard represent significant progress by establishing international guidelines that benefit not only people with disabilities, but also the elderly, families with children, and people with temporary needs. (UN Tourism).
Monitoring this indicator allows us to assess the availability and quality of accessible infrastructure and services, contributing to a better understanding of the needs of these audiences and to the strengthening of policies and investments that promote truly inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Good accessibility practices in tourism
available resources
Despite the growing importance of accessibility in tourism, monitoring this indicator remains limited by a scarcity of systematized data. Nevertheless, there are initiatives and resources that contribute to promoting more inclusive tourism in the Azores, such as Azores for All, which provides adapted tourism activities and services, and Access Azores, which promotes solutions and knowledge for more accessible and sustainable territories. Also noteworthy is the Azores – ALL IN BLUE project, developed by the Gaspar Frutuoso Foundation in partnership with the University of the Azores, which aims to promote the inclusion of people with autism, positioning the region as a more inclusive destination prepared to meet diverse needs.
Useful Links
Relevant SDG´s
Goal 10.2
By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.
Goal 10.3
To guarantee equal opportunities and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies and practices and the promotion of appropriate legislation, policies and actions in this regard.
Goal 11.2
By 2030, provide access to safe, accessible, sustainable and affordable transport systems for all, improving road safety through expanding the public transport network, with special attention to the needs of vulnerable people, women, children, people with disabilities and older people.
