News | ENAT

Europe’s travel & tourism sector welcomes Digital Green Certificate proposal and urges parallel effort on wider restart plan to maximise benefit

John Stamos — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:54:00 GMT

Over 60 travel and tourism organisations express their support for the European Commission’s initiative and call to ensure swift implementation in time for summer 2021.

Brussels 17 March 2021.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, a group of more than 60 public and private travel and tourism organisations and the voice of the sector in Europe, strongly welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to introduce a common, interoperable and mutually-recognised Digital Green Certificate.

This digital proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from the virus, or has a negative test result will greatly facilitate safe free movement of citizens and restart of travel and tourism in the EU.

Today, there are already a number of European countries that facilitate entry into their country if travellers can provide such proof. More countries are expected to follow as vaccinations are rolled out and the health situation improves. EU coordination is thus vital to avoid a fragmented situation with 27 different certificates covering testing, vaccination and immunity.

The alliance urges the European Parliament and the Council to swiftly approve the Commission’s proposal, and for all Member States to ensure a speedy implementation. It also calls on the EU to work collaboratively with the World Health Organisation, OECD and other international bodies to come to a global solution for the digitisation of vaccination, testing and immunity records to facilitate international travel when the epidemiological situation allows.

Europe’s travel and tourism sector is encouraged by the Commission’s proposal, but this initiative on its own will not be enough. The alliance reiterates the urgent need to develop a concrete EU roadmap, following a risk-based and data-driven approach, to identify the conditions and scenarios under which current travel restrictions could be loosened and lifted in a coordinated manner across the EU and beyond. The recent industry recommendations cover:

Creation of an EU Task Force in cooperation with the industry and social partners to restore travel and tourism
Coordination of travel restrictions and requirements
A harmonised EU framework for travel-related testing with sufficient affordable capacity
Coordinated reopening of tourism activities, for instance based on the EU Guidance for the progressive resumption of tourism services issued on 13th May 2020.

Proving the urgency of the need for a common EU framework, a recent survey revealed a strong pent-up demand among Europeans to resume travel with 54% aiming to take a trip before the end of July 2021. Notably, 41% of respondents wish to travel to another European country.

“The Digital Green Certificate proposal released today is a major step in the right direction. But time is of essence now. We need a clear plan outlining conditions and timing to prepare for the safe restart of travel and tourism in Europe to be ready for the critical summer season 2021! Europe should work on this together leaving no place for fragmentation and unilateral actions”, says Eduardo Santander, Chairman of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance and CEO of the European Travel Commission.

ENAT is a member of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance.

Tightened Travel Restrictions Underline Current Challenges for Tourism - UNWTO

Ivor Ambrose — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:15:00 GMT

Madrid, Spain 7 March 2021. One in three destinations worldwide are now completely closed to international tourism due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Madrid, Spain 7 March 2021 - One in three destinations worldwide are now completely closed to international tourism.

According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus has prompted many governments to reverse efforts to ease restrictions on travel, with total closures to tourists most prevalent in Asia and the Pacific and Europe.

The UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report (download) provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations in place in 217 destinations worldwide.

While previous editions had shown a movement towards easing or lifting restrictions on travel, the latest report shows that the persistent seriousness of the epidemiological situation has caused governments to adopt a more cautious approach.

As of the beginning of February, 32% of all destinations worldwide (69 in total) are completely closed for international tourism. Of these, around just over half (38 destinations) have been closed for at least 40 weeks. At the same time, 34% of worldwide destinations are now partially closed to international tourists.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Polilikashvili says:

“Travel restrictions have been widely used to restrict the spread of the virus. Now, as we work to restart tourism, we must recognise that restrictions are just one part of the solution. Their use must be based on the latest data and analysis and consistently reviewed so as to allow for the safe and responsible restart of a sector upon which many millions of businesses and jobs depend.”

Regional variations clear

The ninth edition of the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report shows that regional differences with regards to travel restrictions remain.

Of the 69 destinations where borders are completely closed to tourists, 30 are in Asia and the Pacific, 15 are in Europe, 11 are in Africa, 10 are in the Americas and three are in the Middle East.

At the same time, the UNWTO research also indicates a trend towards adopting a more nuanced, evidence and risk-based approach to implementing travel restrictions. Growing numbers of destinations worldwide now require international tourists to present a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival and also provide contact details for tracing purposes. Indeed, 32% of all worldwide destinations now have the presentation of such tests as their main requirement for international arrivals often combined with quarantine, while the same amount have made tests a secondary or tertiary measure.

Top tourism markets remain cautious

As UNWTO leads the restart of tourism, the Travel Restrictions Report also notes how different governments are issuing advice to their own citizens. Analysis of the top ten tourism source markets currently advising against non-essential travel abroad found they generated 44% of all international arrivals in 2018. UNWTO notes that advice issued by governments will play a crucial role in the restart and recovery of tourism in the weeks and months ahead.

Download the new UNWTO Report: COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions – A Global Review for Tourism, in PDF format from the right-hand panel.

Download the UNWTO Press Pelease in PDF format from the right-hand panel.

#Tourism4Recovery: Travel and Tourism Stakeholders Urge Investment in Sustainable Tourism as Part of EU Recovery

Ivor Ambrose — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:05:03 GMT

Brussels, 1 March 2021. Over 60 European organisations call for tourism to be firmly anchored in EU national Recovery and Resilience plans. European Tourism Manifesto alliance presents list of reforms and investment ideas to support tourism and make EU economies more resilient. New #Tourism4Recovery campaign launched to support the call and showcase impact of investments in sustainable tourism.

Brussels, 1 March 2021. Press Release, European Tourism Manifesto Alliance.

New #Tourism4Recovery campaign launched to support the call and showcase impact of investments in sustainable tourism.
Over 60 European organisations call for tourism to be firmly anchored in EU national Recovery and Resilience plans.
European Tourism Manifesto alliance presents list of reforms and investment ideas to support tourism and make EU economies more resilient.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, which represents over 60 European travel & tourism stakeholders covering the whole value chain of travel operations across Europe, has called on European governments to include tourism as a strategic part of their national Recovery and Resilience plans.

The ‘Call for Action: Accelerate Social and Economic Recovery by Investing in Sustainable Tourism Development’ paper recently published by the alliance emphasises that the new Recovery and Resilience Facility agreed by the EU institutions to help rebuild the bloc’s economy offers an unprecedented opportunity to reset travel in Europe and build a more sustainable, resilient and innovative tourism sector.

To assist EU governments in drafting their national recovery plans, the paper presents a non-exhaustive list of reforms and investment ideas to drive digital and green transitions of travel and tourism and wider EU economies.

Examples of some of the investment proposals included in the paper relate to:

the greening of tourism destination infrastructure;
the development of clean fuels for transportation and investment in multimodal transport solutions;
investments in tourism marketing and promotion to kick-start recovery; a fast rollout of rapid broadband services to rural, coastal and mountainous areas and the acceleration of fibre and 5G networks for travellers; and
support to digital skills training for tourism workers.

Paving the way towards tourism of tomorrow, Eduardo Santander, Chairman of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance and CEO of the European Travel Commission, said:

“With appropriate support, travel and tourism can be one of the most effective engines to deliver sustainable development in 2021 and beyond. The sector supports employment across all areas and demographics, contributes to social inclusion and wellbeing and generates revenue needed to preserve community identity, culture, and heritage. We urge EU governments to follow our call and firmly anchor tourism & travel in their crisis response and recovery plans”.

To support the alliance’s call to action, a new #Tourism4Recovery campaign was launched today with the goal of raising awareness of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis on European tourism and showcasing how investment in sustainable tourism can be a key driver for the EU’s recovery.

The campaign features a dedicated website page with user-generated content as well as a series of social media videos presenting tourism as a force for sustainable development. The alliance urges its travel & tourism partners to join the conversation online and promote key investments required for sustainable tourism recovery in their countries and across Europe.

Download the Press Release from the right-hand panel in PDF format.

ENAT is a member of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance gathers more than 60 European public and private organisations, covering the whole tourism value chain and beyond. The alliance calls on the European Union for action on key policy priorities for the tourism sector. For more information, please visit tourismmanifesto.eu. The Secretariat and Chairmanship of the alliance are currently held by the European Travel Commission (ETC). For any enquiries, please contact us via https://tourismmanifesto.eu/contact/.

Europe’s Travel and Tourism Sector Calls on EU Governments to Chart Restart Plan in Time for Summer

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:27:00 GMT

Brussels, 24.2.2021. Over 60 travel and tourism organisations unveil concrete recommendations for re-opening travel & tourism in Europe, including creation of Commission-led Task Force to restore freedom of movement.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, a group of more than 60 public and private travel and tourism organisations and the voice of the sector in Europe, today unveiled a series of joint recommendations for EU Member States on how to relaunch travel and tourism in Europe in time for summer 2021.

At the heart of the recommendations is the development of an EU roadmap for safely restoring travel once countries emerge from national lockdowns to be developed and implemented in close cooperation with industry and social partners.

A dedicated Commission Task Force for the restoration of free movement of people would lead the development and implementation of the roadmap – and provide ongoing assessments based on risk and the latest scientific data. The goal would be to identify the conditions and scenarios under which current restrictions to international travel could be loosened and ultimately lifted across Europe and beyond. As a result, the roadmap will need to be agile and updated on a regular basis.

The joint recommendations laid out by the European Tourism Manifesto alliance were shared with EU governments ahead of two crucial discussions – a videoconference of the European leaders on 25-26 February and an extraordinary meeting of Tourism Ministers on 1 March.

Download the European Tourism Manifsto Recommendations from the right-hand panel in PDF format.

Recommendations

The recommendations call on the Commission-led Task Force to track the progress and impact of ongoing vaccination campaigns as well as mitigation measures such as testing and quarantine, based on risk levels within the EU and internationally.

“Our goal is for Europe to return to its place as the leading tourist destination in the world – and a safe one. As EU vaccination programmes progress and protect the most vulnerable citizens, we must jointly prepare for the restart of travel. There is simply no time to lose – preparations on a common approach should begin now, in order to restore public confidence by the summer. Our recommendations detail a joint way forward towards restoring travel & tourism and freedom of movement on behalf of European citizens. We look forward to working with EU leaders to put this plan into action as soon as possible”, state the authors of the paper.

A summary of the recommendations to EU Member States includes:

Creation of an EU Task Force to restore freedom of movement of people: A Commission-led Task Force for the restoration of free movement of people, to develop and implement a travel restart plan and recovery roadmap.
Coordination of travel restrictions: An improved and effective European coordination of travel restrictions and requirements is urgently needed to facilitate the restart of travel and tourism (9.5% of EU GDP) and offer predictability to travellers as well as to travel and tourism businesses, and their workers.
Testing: A harmonised EU framework for travel-related testing should encompass the following: Members States to ensure affordable testing, sufficient capacity, mutual recognition of tests between Member States and continuous work at international level for the mutual recognition of tests. Validation of the use of antigen and other rapid tests for travel and tourism purposes[1] is urgently needed, alongside regular assessment of the accepted tests as test efficacy improves (LAMP[2] for instance).
E-Health certificates: EU coordination of national initiatives is urgently needed to avoid having 27 different certificates covering testing, vaccination and/or immunity: DG SANTE must take the lead and work with DG MOVE and DG GROW on an interoperable European system that would enable a fast and digital verification of travellers’ vaccination and/or test status.
Vaccination, or vaccination certificates, should not be mandatory in order to travel (once vaccination is more widely available), but vaccinated travellers or those with proven immunity should be exempted from entry bans, testing and quarantine restrictions in accordance with the latest scientific insights on the reduced ability of those vaccinated to still spread the virus.
Coordinated reopening of tourism activities: Once the health situation allows it, it is crucial to restart tourism and leisure activities alongside re-establishing freedom of movement for EU citizens.

[1] The specificity and sensitivity of rapid antigen tests is now over 90%. It is also important to underline that the goal is rather to screen positive cases rather than diagnose, therefore reducing the risk of the travelling population to spread the virus further. In addition, the Health Security Committee published on 17 February 2021 “A common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, including those whose test results are mutually recognised, and a common standardised set of data to be included in COVID-19 test result certificates”.

[2] Loop-mediated isothermal amplification test, LAMP

This paper has been prepared by the European Tourism Manifesto alliance, which gathers more than 60 European public and private organisations, covering the whole tourism value chain and beyond. The alliance calls on the European Union for action on key policy priorities for the tourism sector. The Secretariat and Chairmanship of the alliance are currently held by the European Travel Commission (ETC). For any enquiries, please contact us via tourismmanifesto.eu/contact/

ENAT is a member of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance

Call for Action: Accelerate Social and Economic Recovery by Investing in Sustainable Tourism Development

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:51:00 GMT

The new Recovery and Resilience Facility, proposed by the European Commission to help the EU rebuild after the pandemic, offers an unprecedented opportunity to support tourism-related reforms to ensure that the sector helps to drive digital and green transitions, and thereby strengthens both economic and social resilience.

Brussels, 9 February 2021. The new Recovery and Resilience Facility, proposed by the European Commission to help the EU rebuild after the pandemic, offers an unprecedented opportunity to support tourism-related reforms to ensure that the sector helps to drive digital and green transitions, and thereby strengthens both economic and social resilience.

This paper is prepared by the European Tourism Manifesto alliance as a contribution to the drafting of national recovery and resilience plans. The new Recovery and Resilience Facility, proposed by the European Commission to help the EU rebuild after the pandemic, offers an unprecedented opportunity to support tourism-related reforms to ensure that the sector helps to drive digital and green transitions, and thereby strengthens both economic and social resilience.

Following its urgent call to Member States to make tourism a strategic element in their national recovery plans, the European Tourism Manifesto alliance has published a detailed paper presenting a non-exhaustive list of reforms and investment ideas related to travel and tourism that would contribute to making EU countries’ economies more resilient, so we will be better prepared to respond to future opportunities and challenges.

These tourism-related investments are grouped according to the EU flagship initiatives listed in the European Commission’s Guidance to Member States on Recovery and Resilience Plans and can be integrated in the national recovery plans.

The purpose of the paper is to help Member States in drafting their recovery and resilience plans to ensure that the proposed reforms and investments create a favourable environment in which tourism can develop in a sustainable and resilient way, and continue to create jobs, fostering cohesion and building the path towards a sustainable recovery from the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance recognises and appreciates that a number of Member States have made specific mention of tourism-related investments in their draft recovery plans for the Recovery and Resilience Facility and calls on all Member States to follow the same approach: travel and tourism services and related infrastructure are critical for each country’s long-term economic prospects.

Download the paper from the right-hand panel in PDF format.

ENAT is a Member of the European Tourism Manifesto alliance.

UN Resolution on Improving Global Road Safety

Ivor Ambrose — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:16:05 GMT

On 31 August 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 on Improving Global Road Safety.

On 31 August 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 on Improving Global Road Safety.

The resolution was based on the Stockholm Declaration agreed at the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in February 2020. It sets out a new target for road safety target for the next 10 years and proclaims the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Main points

Proclamation of a Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 – 2030.
A new target to reduce road deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
A request to the UNRSC, WHO and the UN Regional Commissions to prepare a plan of action.
Encouragement to Member States to take a holistic view of road safety in the context of the full SDG agenda, connecting it to environmental, mobility, equality, gender, and urban planning issues.
Promotion of environmentally sound, safe, accessible, and affordable modes of quality transport, especially public and non-motorized transport and to actively protect and promote pedestrian safety and cycling mobility.
A focus on vulnerable road users, including children and youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
A safe system and vision zero approach promoting an evidence-based, data-led approach.
Provision for vehicle safety, driver standards, road infrastructure, and technology and to address key risk behaviors.
Post-crash care, rehabilitation and social reintegration for road traffic victims.
The role of NGOs, academia, private sector, stakeholders to assist governments, who have primary responsibility for road safety, in working together to achieve the targets.
A high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly by the end of 2022 on improving global road safety with a view to addressing gaps and challenges.

Read the full resolution.

Read NGO quotes and reaction from different sectors to the resolution.

Download the UN Resoution from the right-hand column in PDF format.

Visit: Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety

Equality: City of Jönköping in Sweden wins 2021 EU Access City Award

Ivor Ambrose — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 09:41:00 GMT

Brussels, 1 December 2020. (European Commission)

Jönköping, in the south of Sweden, made continuous improvements in both the new and old areas of the city, in collaboration with disability organisations. The city also created a local ‘Access City Award’, for businesses or organisations that worked with their customers to improve accessibility. Out of 50 applications, Jönköping was designated the winner of the 11th edition of the Access City Award at the online ceremony on 1 December 2020.

The city of Bremerhaven in Germany and the city of Gdynia in Poland are the second and third place winners of the 2021 Access City Award.

Poznań in Poland received a special mention for accessibility of public services in times of the pandemic. Two further special mentions were awarded to Komotini in Greece for “accessibility as an opportunity for the whole city” and Florence in Italy for the “built environment”.

Read more about the EU Access City Award.

Download the European Commission Press Release from the right-hand panel in PDF format.

World Day of Persons with Disabilities: Slope lift and new routes to the Acropolis opened by Prime Minister, Mitsotakis

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 15:48:00 GMT

3 December 2012, Hellenic Ministry of Culture press release. In the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni and the President of the Onassis Foundation Antonis S. Papadimitriou, today, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the elevator and the new footpaths were inaugurated.

3 December 2020, Hellenic Ministry of Culture press release.

In the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni and the President of the Onassis Foundation Antonis S. Papadimitriou, today, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the elevator and the new footpaths were inaugurated.

The project significantly improves access to the monuments on the Holy Rock, being part of the programme to upgrade the services provided on the Acropolis. Thus, the archeological site becomes completely accessible for people with disabilities and also for all citizens with mobility or other problems.

Acropolis: More Accessibe for All. Video by Onassis Foundation On YouTube.

Statement by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis

"Mr. President of the Onassis Foundation, Madam Minister,

Today is indeed a great day, a bright day, a day that proves once again in practice, that the Greek State, the state can cooperate with Institutions that share the same goals, the same vision, the same philosophy and perform in the world society, not only in the Greek society, a very important project. Today, December 3, World Day of Persons with Disabilities, we inaugurate the new elevator and the routes which have been designed with great care, in order to make the Acropolis accessible to all and everyone. To people with mobility difficulties, but also to our elderly fellow citizens who want to enjoy the symbol of Western Civilization, without the difficulty involved in the classic route to climb the Acropolis Rock.

The government has already consulted the National Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the core of this plan is the concept of accessibility. Accessibility to all, accessibility everywhere. And because this government does not like words, but speaks with deeds, we are very glad that today we are making available to the public this important, this emblematic work, which could not be done without the support of the Onassis Foundation.

With great pleasure I will have the opportunity to be the first to use the elevator and to tour the routes which - I want to say it again - have not just been designed, but have been built with full respect for the law and, of course, under the supervision of the emblematic teacher, Mr. Manolis Korres, who I believe knows and loves the Acropolis perhaps more than anyone. I say this because it is with regret that I have found in recent months that cheap opposition criticism has been exercised even for this project, which is a universal project and under normal conditions should unite us all.

The government, obviously, will not stop here. The National Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been and remains a personal commitment of mine. You know, I think, the reasons why I am particularly sensitive to this issue and I believe that today we are taking an important first step in putting it into practice.

Once again, Mr President, in your person I would like to thank you, all your associates, all the companies that worked to complete this extremely difficult and demanding task on schedule in conjunction with the work of lighting the new Acropolis. Today, the Acropolis shines brighter than ever, but also more accessible than ever.

Thank you very much again."

Statement by the President of the Onassis Foundation, Antonis S. Papadimitriou

"Dear Prime Minister,

Honorable Minister of Culture and Sports,

The journey of the Onassis Foundation began 45 years ago. To this day, it remains a journey towards the values that unite people. These values coexist thanks to the philosophy of the Foundation, as shaped by the legacy of our founder Aristotle Onassis: the liberation of forces in Greece that struggles, remains anxious and recognizes itself in culture for all. That is why the routes of people with mobility impairments, as well as the functional slope lift, which was undertaken by the Onassis Foundation in collaboration with the State, become the most appropriate symbolism for these values.

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we stand in front of a monument of universal value, a beacon of optimism and equal rights. In all our actions, in the fields of Culture, Education and Health, we act as partners, and not as mere financiers. The Onassis Foundation is not a simple "individual" that makes sponsorships but participates equally in the whole process of planning and implementing any action it undertakes. In this way we build bridges of cooperation, we release the hidden forces of Greece at its best.

The Acropolis, which makes the world bathe in its new enlightenment from our recent collaboration with the State, remains a constant reminder that man is the measure of all things. It also remains a promise that democracy is the home of us all. Especially in the conditions we live in today, this house must always be open, accessible and bright.

Almost twelve months ago, Mr. Prime Minister, we had a first meeting with the Minister and discussed this very project. Twelve months later and with four months of lockdown in Italy, because that affected us, the lockdown of Italy, we deliver to the State this difficult and demanding task. With absolute respect for the importance of the Acropolis, not only for us Greeks but for everyone.

In closing, I would like to thank the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, the members of KAS, Professor Korre and their collaborators, Chronis Lillis, project manager of the project on behalf of the Onassis Foundation, the company Maspero Elevatori, his company Mr. Konstantinos Papadopoulos who built this innovative elevator and those who worked to complete the project. Thank you very much."

Background

In September 2019, there was a consultation and agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Onassis Foundation to undertake the donation of the upgrading works of the services provided in the Acropolis of Athens and the surrounding monuments. The donation included:

The construction of a slope elevator to replace the old construction site elevator.
The creation of disabled routes (first and second phase) on the Rock, in order to make it accessible to the maximum possible degree. The first phase has already been completed, and the second phase is being launched by the Ministry of Education.
The replacement of the old lighting of the monuments of the Acropolis, the Walls of the Rock, Philopappos and the Volcano in the Ancient Agora.
The supply of GolfCarts vehicles to facilitate the access of the disabled from Dionysiou Areopagitou to the elevator.

All projects were carried out in close cooperation with the services and external collaborators of the Onassis Foundation with the competent services of the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Scientific Committee for the Preservation of Acropolis Monuments, in accordance with the provisions of Law 3028/2002 "On the protection of Antiquities and in of Cultural Heritage ".

Technical data for the slope lift

- The slope lift replaces the construction site elevator, which was installed in 2004 on the north side of the Acropolis, on the occasion of the Olympic Games, in order to make it possible for the disabled to visit the Holy Rock. At the same time, a construction corridor was constructed from the exit of the elevator to Panathinaion Street, north of the Parthenon, so that people in wheelchairs can at least see the monuments. The elevator started to present serious problems in its operation already from the beginning of 2018. As early as the autumn of 2018, scenes of transport of the disabled "in the hands" of the staff of the Ministry of Culture or by their attendants were recorded. From the spring of 2019 the elevator was almost not working, while the problems intensified in the summer of 2019, resulting in the country being exposed internationally, as people with disabilities from all over the world arrived at the monument and could not ascend the monument.

- This is a variable angle lift, manufactured by the Italian company MASPERO ELEVATORI. Its capacity is 1300 kg payload, i.e. two wheelchairs with two attendants or an ambulance stretcher with one attendant. The choice of the type was made according to the topography of the area and the geotechnical data, based on the construction studies which were prepared for the project. It is certified by the international company TUV, as defined by the European Regulations on slope lifts. It is noted that a similar elevator does not exist in any other monument. It is the only one in the world because structurally its variable angle is close to the right one, while its perimeter glass lining offers a unique panoramic view.

- The time required to ascend or descend the elevator is 32 seconds. With the old elevator, in order for the user to reach from the street level to the Acropolis monument, he had to climb to the level of the current engine room from an external staircase, using a stair platform lift and then using the old elevator to the top. This technology was technically completely obsolete even as a construction site lift. Spare parts were missing and everything needed was made as home-made.

- At the technological level, the new slope lift is highly advanced, offering comfort, speed, safety as well as safety valves during operation, in case of power failure or other unforeseen problems.

- In case of power failure, it is possible to go to the level of the entrance to the road by using alternative means of operation of the elevator (battery). Through a dual GSM card notification system, communication is made with five programmed receivers for any fault or emergency. The system is activated automatically in case of damage, seismic vibrations, wind, ice or entrapment and sends immediate notification to those responsible for the proper handling of each case. It is noted that in cases of very low temperature, the elevator automatically moves on the tracks every 10 minutes, so as not to allow a layer of ice to accumulate on its drivers.

- For the implementation of the required works, there was a team of supervising archaeologists of the Ministry of Culture, Culture and Sports throughout the execution of the project, with the cooperation of which all the measures that ensure the protection of the monuments were taken. The installation required infrastructure work, including partial excavation, drilling and installation of 35 stainless steel anchors on the Balano wall and filling with grout to support the metal supports supporting the elevator tracks. Also, the old platform [at the top] was removed and the new one was placed, 12.90m long and 1,60 to 1,90m wide.

Information on the new routes for the disabled

The new routes for the disabled cover the North and East side of the Parthenon, with the aim of making it possible for the disabled to tour the monuments of the archaeological site, after arriving by elevator.
The total length of the new routes is 500m. The configurations, horizontally and vertically, follow the archaeological specifications, restoring the ancient route of the Panathinaion Street.

The routes connect the upper exit of the slope elevator with Panathinaion Street, up to the area of the old museum. Therefore, they extend in front of the Propylaea, from the Parthenon and reach the South Slope.

As clarified by the Ministry of Culture, the material chosen for the paving, as aesthetically acceptable, is architectural concrete with a cement content of only 12%. The end result is an artificial stone, corresponding to the materials used to complete the monuments. The materials were evaluated with on-site test applications by the Acropolis Monuments Conservation Committee. The whole project is completely reversible.

Two vehicles (golf cart type), will facilitate access to the new slope lift for the disabled and people with mobility impairments. For the vehicle that will start from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street there is a provision for a capacity of 6 people (including the driver) plus a wheelchair. Respectively, for the vehicle that will start from the Sacred Rock, there is a provision for a capacity of 6 people (including the driver) without including a wheelchair.

Acknowledgements. Photos and original Greek text provided by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.
https://www.culture.gov.gr/el/Information/SitePages/view.aspx?nID=3588

Translation provided by Google Translate, and Ivor Ambrose, ENAT.

Video by Onassis Foundation

UNWTO: Accessible Tourism Identified as ‘Game Changer’ for Destinations

Ivor Ambrose — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 12:48:00 GMT

3 December 2020. Press Release. Ensuring accessibility for tourists with specific access requirements can be a ‘game changer’ for destinations around the world as they look to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic. A new set of Inclusive Recovery Guides from the World Tourism Organization, produced in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the ONCE Foundation of Spain and Travability from Australia, makes clear the importance of placing inclusivity at the centre of recovery plans and provides key recommendations for achieving this.

Photo: Wheelchair user entering minivan with assistance (UNWTO).

3 December 2020. UNWTO Press Release.

Ensuring accessibility for tourists with specific access requirements can be a ‘game changer’ for destinations around the world as they look to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.

A new set of Inclusive Recovery Guides from the World Tourism Organization, produced in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the ONCE Foundation of Spain and Travability from Australia, makes clear the importance of placing inclusivity at the centre of recovery plans and provides key recommendations for achieving this.

Launched on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the UNWTO Inclusive Recovery Guide – Socio-Cultural Impacts of COVID-19: Issue 1 Persons with Disabilities, draws on the expertise of UNWTO’s Ethics Culture and Social Responsibility Department and its partners.

While much progress has been made, the publication makes clear that persons with disabilities and seniors encounter barriers preventing them from fully enjoying tourism experiences, even more so during the pandemic.

Now, as UNWTO leads the restart of tourism globally, this guide outlines steps that governments, destinations and companies should take to build back better, becoming more inclusive and competitive.

Accessibility as a priority

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism environments and services are often designed without considering the different access requirements that visitors and locals may have. The tourism sector must prioritize accessibility. This can be a real game changer for destinations and businesses, helping them recover from the crisis and grow back in a more inclusive and resilient way.”

Highlighting the potential benefits for more accessible destinations, the publication notes that, by 2050, one in six people worldwide will be aged 65 or over, rising to one in four in Europe and North America. Furthermore, data shows that the average spend of tourists with disabilities in Spain, for example, is in excess of 800 euros, compared with just over 600 euros for tourists without disabilities.

Recommendations for inclusive recovery

The recommendations advocating for accessibility during the recovery of tourism emphasise six main action areas:

Assistance in a crisis: Including accessibility during every stage of repatriation, which requires the backing of destinations and disabled peoples’ organizations (DPOs)
Adaptation of protocols: Follow UNWTO guidance on adapting general health and safety protocols, considering that customers may have different abilities and requirements
Inclusivity in post-pandemic tourism: Including the effective use of data to guide decisions on accessible tourism planning and adjusting accessibility policies and strategies to reflect post-COVID realities
Accessibility in business planning: Treating accessibility as a competitive advantage, improving customer service, and the application of harmonized international standards to enhance quality of life for all
Staff training and inclusion: Extending professional training to better cater for tourists with different abilities, and ensuring equal opportunities in the tourism workforce
Innovation and digital transformation: Embracing innovation to make travel and tourism safer, smarter and easier for all.

The "Inclusive Recovery Guide" reflects UNWTO’s ongoing commitment to inclusive tourism, enshrined within the UNWTO Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, calling on signatories to facilitate tourism for persons with disabilities.

This publication is the first in a planned series of thematic briefs from UNWTO’s Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department, in its intent to provide guidance to our sector.

Are you an "Accessible Tourism Champion"?

UNWTO and partners are asking administrations, destinations and companies, which have successfully incorporated accessibility in their mitigation measures, to share their stories through the questionnaire “Accessible Tourism Champions”, also launched today.

Answer the UNWTO survey and share your story about combatting COVID while ensuring accessibility.
Access the questionnaire

UNWTO Publications

Download these two publications free of charge from the UNWTO website:

UNWTO Inclusive Recovery Guide - Socio-Cultural Impacts of COVID-19: Issue 1: Persons with Disabilities
UNWTO Guideline: Reopening Tourism for Travellers with Disabilities: How to provide safety without imposing unnecessary obstacles

Links to contributing organisations

ONCE Foundation
Travability
ENAT

You may download this Press Release from the right-hand panel in PDF format.

Join us at the 2nd TUR4all (Online) Congress: Accessibility in Intelligent Tourist Destinations

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:42:00 GMT

Projects from sixteen countries on three continents are included in the PREDIF online webinars series on accessible tourism this November. Register now!

Projects from sixteen countries on three continents are included in the PREDIF online webinars series on accessible tourism this November.

The Congress Programme is now published at the Congress Website, with a rich variety of themes covering innovation, examples of good practice, initiatives facilitating the employability of people with disabilities in the tourism sector, and others.

OR: Download the Programme in PDF format from the right-hand panel.

Welcome video by Anna Grazia Laura, ENAT President

View all 15 Welcome Videos by speakers and participants on the Congress YouTube Channel

Direct Zoom links - Register each day to get free access to the sessions

Visit the Congress Website - English and Spanish versions available

Download the Programme and Register free of charge now:

Sharing experiences and looking forward tothe new Accessible Tourism ISO Standard

Over 1000 people from more than 20 countries have registered for the congress.

Invited Guest Speakers from national and regional destination management agencies in Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom will share their particular experiences in the field of accessible tourism.

In addition, Fundación ONCE, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) will provide an overview of the new standard ISO/DIS 21902 "Tourism and associated services – Tourism accessible for all – Requirements and recommendations", which will be published soon.

Page updated: 11.11.2020

PREDIF, The Representative State Platform of People with Physical Disability, is a nonprofit state entity, declared of public use, which represents, performs programs and promotes actions in favor of more than 100.000 people with serious physical disabilities. it has a longer than 30 years’ experience through its federations member of National Federation ASPAYM, COAMIFICOA, Confederation ECOM and 8 PREDIF of autonomic scope. PREDIF is today a landmark in accessible tourism, it presides the Commission of Inclusive Tourism and Entertainment of the CERMI, and its protocols and criteria in the field of accessibility are those agreed by the whole area of disability. Likewise, during the past years PREDIF is developing personal assistance projects, becoming a landmark entity as well in this area, and coordinating the working group of Personal Assistance and Independent life of state Cermi.

PREDIF is a Full Member of ENAT

IAAP Launches Accessible Built Environments Initiative

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 18:15:56 GMT

The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), a division of the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) will be conducting pilot exams starting this September for Certified Professional in Accessible Built Environments (CPABE).

Atlanta, USA, 27 August 2020. The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), a division of the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) will be conducting pilot exams starting this September for Certified Professional in Accessible Built Environments (CPABE).

Space is limited to 50 participants per exam. Sign-up today and be recognized for your knowledge of accessible built environments and application of Universal Design principles.

Candidates will be considered "early adopters" and are expected to already have the knowledge necessary to successfully pass the exam. Candidates for this program have a unique opportunity to take the pilot exam and, by successfully completing the exam, will not only earn the certification but help shape the program and provide additional validity of the credential. The pilot exam is offered at a 50% discount of the list price and retake at no charge within one year of the pilot.

Links to further details about the built environment initiative and to register your place in the pilot exams can be found at the IAAP Website

European travel and tourism sector urges EU governments to agree on harmonised travel restrictions as it struggles to survive the current crisis

Ivor Ambrose — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 09:09:00 GMT

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the European travel and tourism sector, calls on Member States to urgently agree on harmonised travel restrictions and ensure swift implementation to help the sector survive this unprecedented crisis.

Brussels, 8/9/2020. The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the European travel and tourism sector, calls on Member States to urgently agree on harmonised travel restrictions and ensure swift implementation to help the sector survive this unprecedented crisis.

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance applauds renewed efforts of the European Commission as well as the initiative from the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union from last week to improve coordination on cross-border travel and restore the integrity of the Schengen area.

The need for continued COVID-19 control is foreseeable and, under Art.24 of the Schengen Borders Code, any related border restrictions must be coordinated.

European travel and tourism is the ecosystem most affected by the coronavirus crisis due to insufficiently coordinated travel restrictions, declining traveller confidence and reduced consumer demand. The 2020 summer season was strongly impacted by this crisis, with traveller confidence reaching a record low.

We call on national governments to urgently approve the European Commission’s proposal and to:

Establish common criteria and thresholds for determining epidemiological risk, including a common colour-coding system to identify risk areas. These criteria should be evaluated on a detailed regional level, considering relevant geographical factors (particularly islands).
Implement common measures to put in place upon departure to and return from risk areas. These measures should be determined with sufficient detail and based on scientific evidence (as there is no reason to restrict travel to entire countries if only certain regions are affected), and comprise:
- Replacing the need for quarantine of travellers with comprehensive cost-effective testing and tracing
- Avoiding blanket restrictions to free movement by implementing more targeted measures which are limited in geographical scope
- Avoiding imposing travel restrictions on passengers in transit
- Agreeing on common rules for requesting pre-travel COVID-19 negative test results where needed
- Ensuring the interoperability of contact tracing apps in the EU and the harmonization of Passenger Locator Forms based on international standards.
- Follow a common structured and transparent process to publish clear, comprehensive and timely information about any travel restrictions where these are needed. Information should also be made available on the Re-open EU web platform.

The sector has been calling for better coordination between Member States and a harmonised European approach to travel restrictions and safety measures since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such an approach will help rebuild traveller confidence and help the sector in its slow recovery, protecting millions of livelihoods, jobs, and enterprises.

Download this press release in PDF format from the right-hand panel.

ENAT is a member of the European Tourism Manifesto Alliance

Apply for the EU Access City Award 2021

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 09:38:17 GMT

Applications for the 11th Access City Award competition are now open. EU cities have until 9 September 2020 to apply.

EU cities are invited to take part in the Access City Award 2021, the EU Prize for cities accessible to persons with disabilities and elderly people.

European cities over 50 000 inhabitants have the opportunity to present their designed actions and strategies to become barrier-free and better places for everyone to live and work.
The selection process will have two stages:

national juries will evaluate the applications at a national level;
an EU jury will then assess the shortlisted applications

Video announcement by European Commission

Celebrating the 11th Access City Award

This new edition of the Access City Award will take into account the current global situation and a special mention “Accessibility of public services in times of pandemic” will be created to reward cities’ efforts.

For the second year in a row, a financial prize will reward the first, second and third place winners of the competition (please note that special mentions are not entitled to a financial prize).

For full details about how to enter, visit the webpage of the European Commission Access City Award 2021

Lebanon in Crisis - ENAT Message of Support

Ivor Ambrose — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 08:34:11 GMT

5 August 2020. ENAT has had the pleasure of partnering with the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities to support the development of accessible tourism in Lebanon through the development of accessibility guidelines, on-site assessments at tourist sites and policy work. At this very painful and anxious moment, with multiple crises overwhelming the country, we send our best wishes to all at LUPD and to the Lebanese people.

The warmth, enthusiasm, skill and sheer determination of our colleagues - Sylvana, Rona, Haneen, Bachar and all the LUPD team - impressed us so much, creating strong bonds of friendship between us, as well as firm collegial trust.

 At this very painful and anxious moment, with multiple crises overwhelming the country, we send our best wishes to all at LUPD and to the Lebanese people.

We hope for the revival of the country’s economy, with peace and safety for the whole Lebanese society. From our particular vantage point, we wish for the revival of tourism - with accessibility for all - and we look forward to promoting Lebanon as a welcoming, accessible destination, with its unique natural and cultural treasures.

Further information

LUPD is a grassroots organisation built by and for people with disabilities. We believe that we have an important role to play in arriving at our vision of society by working with people with disabilities, a population that has been traditionally marginalised. As such, our specific mission is the following:
• To defend the rights of people with disabilities; more specifically to work towards their access to equal opportunities and a quality life and to ensure that their basic needs (health, education, employment, socio-economic integration, freedom of choice) are fully respected and guaranteed;
• To eradicate marginalisation and gender discrimination from the lives of people with physical disabilities;
• To mobilise people with physical disabilities to speak on their own behalf;
• To promote the spread of a culture of inclusion and right of participation

Read More at: https://www.daleel-madani.org/civil-society-directory/lebanese-union-people-physical-disabilities

Safe, Responsible and Accessible: UNWTO, ONCE Foundation and ENAT Partner for Tourism for All

Ivor Ambrose — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:49:02 GMT

Madrid, 3 August 2020. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is calling on destinations to recognize the needs of travellers with disabilities or specific access requirements as they open up to visitors again. In partnership with the ONCE Foundation of Spain and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the United Nations specialized agency has released new guideline to ensure accessibility and inclusivity as the responsible restart of tourism gets underway.

Madrid, 3 August 2020. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is calling on destinations to recognize the needs of travellers with disabilities or specific access requirements as they open up to visitors again.

In partnership with the ONCE Foundation of Spain and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the United Nations specialized agency has released new guideline to ensure accessibility and inclusivity as the responsible restart of tourism gets underway.

According to the newest data from UNWTO, 40% of global destinations have now eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to COVID0-19.

Now, with tourism steadily returning, UNWTO has joined disabled people’s organizations and organizations from across civil society to design a basic set of recommendations aimed at maintaining the ethos of “Accessible Tourism for All” in the new reality.

Accessibility means opportunity

These Guidelines, produced in collaboration with ONCE Foundation and ENAT show that simple, thoughtful measures can make a real difference for travellers – and in return, allow destinations to welcome this wide and diverse demographic as they look to recover from COVID-19.

The “Reopening Tourism for Travellers with Disabilities” guide also notes the opportunities available to destinations that take steps to accommodate the specific needs of persons with disabilities, those with specific access requirements and seniors. This is particularly relevant now since tourism has been among the hardest hit of all major economic sectors, with businesses big and small at risk.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Much progress has been made in making tourism more accessible to all. As we guide the responsible restart of tourism, we must make sure that this progress is not rolled back. Instead, it must be stepped up as it will benefit everyone. These Guidelines, produced in collaboration with ONCE Foundation and ENAT show that simple, thoughtful measures can make a real difference for travellers – and in return, allow destinations to welcome this wide and diverse demographic as they look to recover from COVID-19.”

Fundación ONCE Vice-President, Alberto Durán, underlined: “We are making great efforts to help everyone enjoy travel and tourism. It is fundamental that we use this time of change to sensitize all stakeholders to the need to include persons with disabilities and their families in tourism, leaving no one behind. These clients can help businesses stay afloat in these challenging times, representing opportunities for all."

ENAT President, Anna Grazia Laura stated: “These practical guidelines for curbing the spread of COVID-19, with due regard for accessibility and inclusion within tourism, can contribute to global efforts to reassure all visitors, benefitting tourists, businesses and destinations alike"."

Guidelines for whole of the sector

The Guidelines are a set of basic recommendations addressed at different stakeholders working across the whole of the tourism value chain. All are aimed at helping stakeholders, including accommodation providers, bars, restaurants and tourism offices, adjust to new health and sanitary demands without reducing accessibility.

The recommendations cover four distinct areas:

Travel Planning and Protocols: Including steps to guarantee seamless travel, and for making relevant information available and accessible to all
Transportation: Including the importance of upskilling employees, adjusting protocols for passengers with disabilities/access requirements at airports and stations, as well as the provision and hygienic upkeep of mobility equipment
Accommodation, Bars and Restaurants: Focusing on accessibility to cater for different needs of clients, guaranteeing social distancing, and enhanced hygiene procedures in all tourism-related establishments
Tourist Activities: Including recommendations to help destinations and attractions adapt existing protocols by taking into account accessibility issues related to queuing, health and safety measures, and new venue capacities.

This Press Release and the full set of recommendations, “Reopening Tourism for Travellers with Disabilities: How to Provide Safety Without Imposing Unnecessary Obstacles” can be downloaded in PDF format from the right-hand panel.