Global travel brand and guidebook publisher Lonely Planet and European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the European non-profit association working for accessible inclusive tourism, have established a cooperation agreement to bring greater attention to the requirements of visitors with disabilities and other travellers with specific access needs.
Their aim is twofold:
- to show tourism suppliers and destinations around the world how they can benefit from reaching out to the accessible tourism market; and
- to encourage people with a broad spectrum of access needs to explore their world with greater confidence so as to enjoy new experiences and the many benefits of travel.
According to ENAT President, Anna Grazia Laura: “The accessible tourism market is worth €150 billion in Europe alone but many businesses hold onto the mistaken belief that this is a ‘niche’ market in which it is difficult for them to turn a profit. In fact, good access and inclusive customer service should be everybody’s business! Through our studies and the work of our members in over 30 countries we are seeing that tourist destinations and suppliers who create inclusive, accessible offers are gaining more customers as a result. The market is extremely diverse and includes the growing numbers of seniors, visitors with disabilities and families with small children.”
In Brief
- As a result of their new Memorandum of Understanding, Lonely Planet’s Travel for All Google+ community will be connected with ENAT’s web and social media channels
- The two partners will collaborate in joint promotion of each other’s initiatives through publications, tourism conferences, events and incentive programmes.
- Lonely Planet has recently published its first access guide, a free ebook called Accessible Melbourne – developed by a team led byLonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Manager Martin Heng.
In Depth
- Read the full story on the ENAT website
- Follow Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Manager Martin Heng on Twitter
- Discover why “Accessible Tourism may soon be the largest travel market.”
