Sustainable Travel International (STI) and European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) report they will partner to improve the long-term sustainability and accessibility of tourism in destinations around the world.
STI works to enhance the sustainability of tourism destinations and tourism activities, while ENAT provides know-how and support for businesses and destinations to improve the access of facilities and services for older people and persons with disabilities.
Recognizing their highly complementary roles, the two global partners will explore new ways of combining the principles of economic, social and environmental sustainability with accessibility and inclusion for all.
The STI-ENAT collaboration will initially focus on developing projects for specific destinations as well as general guidance and training materials for managers and owners of tourism businesses.
STI’s CEO Brian Mullis said: “Sustainable Travel International’s mission is to help destinations, organizations, businesses, and travelers develop innovative solutions to protect the environment, adapt to climate change, preserve cultural heritage, and generate economic benefits across the tourism value chain.”
ENAT Managing Director Ivor Ambrose agrees: “Making tourism accessible for all gives direct business benefits by opening up to a wider market, especially considering the rise in numbers of older travelers, and it can also mean a huge improvement to the life conditions of the locals. We hope that by working with STI we can reach more communities - also outside our base in Europe - and help to bring wider social benefits within the framework of sustainable tourism.”
Visit www.accessibletourism.org