The Spanish Tourist Office has unveiled its first report focusing on accessible travel, stemming from collaboration with an expert advisory board.
- The report is a significant guide for destinations and businesses embarking on their accessible tourism journey.
- Produced from virtual sessions with a diverse accessibility advisory panel, the report highlights practical steps for inclusivity.
- Key recommendations include non-stereotypical approaches to accessibility and partnerships with specialised organisations.
- The Spanish Tourist Office intends for this initiative to foster further dialogue on accessible travel challenges and solutions.
The Spanish Tourist Office has released its inaugural report on accessible travel, developed through a collaborative effort with an expert advisory board composed of industry professionals and individuals with disabilities. This report is intended to provide guidance for destinations, businesses, and enterprises keen to embark on their own journey towards accessible tourism.
The Accessibility Findings Report emerged from three virtual sessions with a panel moderated by Angus Drummond, a renowned accessibility consultant and founder of Limitless Travel. This assembly of 18 members, including esteemed broadcaster Ade Adepitan, worked together to explore the diverse aspects of accessibility in travel.
Key recommendations from the panel include the necessity to avoid defaulting to wheelchair users when discussing accessibility. Instead, there should be a broadened perspective that covers advertising, resource allocation, and targeted training to cater effectively to varied accessibility needs.
Furthermore, the report advocates for organisations to create partnerships with charities, universities, and specialist consultancies to ensure they are not isolated in their adaptability efforts. This collaboration is crucial to fostering an inclusive environment where all parties benefit from shared expertise and insights.
Another pivotal suggestion is that accessibility adaptations should be driven by data and contextual understanding. Insights from individuals with lived experiences of disabilities are invaluable, and the integration of feedback loops is essential to refine and enhance the customer journey from search to booking.
Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office, underscored the report’s role as a launching point for both destinations and private companies in the travel sector. He stated that the office is committed to reducing discrimination and enhancing accessibility across the travel sector, recognising the substantial spending power of disabled consumers.
In what was described as a landmark move for Spanish tourism, the report forms a component of the ‘Spain For All’ campaign, which aims to elevate the travel experience of disabled patrons. Adepitan, serving as an ambassador for the campaign, emphasised the transformative potential of accessible travel for this demographic.
Adepitan stressed that the disabled community wields a significant economic influence and highlighted the absence of a consistent five-star service for these consumers in the past. He advocated for a respectful approach involving direct communication, listening intently to the needs of disabled guests, and fostering a proactive attitude towards service adaptation.
Looking forward, the Spanish Tourist Office plans to maintain and expand its advisory panel, including more voices from the disability community and industry sectors not yet represented. Butler expressed a commitment to continued dialogue with the UK, aiming to deepen understanding and implement effective solutions for accessible travel.
The Spanish Tourist Office’s report heralds a significant step towards inclusive travel, aiming to integrate accessibility into the core of the tourism industry.
