Αρχική Εθνικό Σχέδιο Δράσης για τα Δικαιώματα των Ατόμων με ΑναπηρίαΕθνικό Σχέδιο Δράσης για τα Δικαιώματα των Ατόμων με ΑναπηρίαΣχόλιο του χρήστη Ivor Ambrose και Κατερίνα Παπαμιχαήλ | 4 Οκτωβρίου 2020, 00:30
  • Σχόλιο του χρήστη 'Ivor Ambrose και Κατερίνα Παπαμιχαήλ' | 4 Οκτωβρίου 2020, 00:30

    The UNCRPD has established that tourism is a right for persons with disabilities (article 30). To make this a reality, with equal access for all, the tourism industry needs to take a new look at accessibility. Accessible Tourism is not synonymous with tourism for persons with disabilities. It embraces those who have a disability as well as a much wider range of visitors. Research shows that at least 2/3 of spending on accessible tourism comes from seniors (persons over 65 years old) – many of whom are not disabled but who have access requirements as a natural consequence of the ageing process. So, Accessible Tourism is not only a question of human rights or rights for persons with disabilities but is also a matter of developing the Greek economy as a competitive and attractive tourism destination. Therefore, this Action Plan requires a second, parallel set of actions in the sphere of business and economic development, engaging with the tourism industry players, and convincing them that it is a high quality and high value market – not only a “social” mission. Businesses need a strategy and support framework, including incentives, guidance and tools to improve their accessibility, going beyond legal obligations, and to provide and market their information to all potential customers. Tourism is a commercial activity and, to gain any traction with the industry, accessible tourism must be addressed from a business point of view, using the language of business. It stands for quality of service, sustainability and more competitive tourism products, that will attract many types of visitors who come to Greece for a multitude of reasons. Accessibility is essential for tourists with disabilities but, at the same time, it is of value to everyone. Tourists today and in the future will expect offers that are more personalised, with mobile services, up-to-date information before and during their trip and a high degree of safety, giving them the confidence to travel. Persons with disabilities should be treated equally, like every other customer - not as a marketing segment or category but as part of the whole travel market, seeking the same opportunities and experiences and high quality services. Their specific access requirements shall most definitely be considered and accommodated within the general offer, without discrimination and allowing the same freedom of choice. “We are all the same, but at the same time, so very different”. Tools for gathering and providing information related to the accessibility of infrastructure and services for potential visitors are key to personalised information, which everyone needs. The Mascot: Accessible Greece is not best symbolised by a wheelchair user. This symbol has long since been worn out through misuse and misunderstanding and it by no means represents the wide diversity of customers who can benefit from accessibility. Why not a more figurative representation? E.g. a friendly, smiling octopus with curling legs which could hint at accessibility (wheels) but without stigmatising or marginalising certain groups. (With 8 legs you also have far more possibilities for creative designs). It is typically Greek, intelligent, attractive, symbolising the Mediterranean Sea and Greek summer. The octopus idea follows the same concept as the Seahorse (Hippocampus) “Proteas” which was used as the mascot for the 2004 Paralympic Games! Providing symbolism of Greece and accessibility but without denoting a specific type of person.