WELCOME

 

The number of international tourists has reached the historic one billion mark in 2012¹. People with disabilities represent about 15% of the population². This segment is growing in all Western markets as the population ages. These people travel for business or pleasure, they visit friends and relatives and they want to discover other cultures.

 

The World Tourism Organization’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (UNWTO, 1999) says specially:

 

“Tourism activities should respect the equality of men and women; they should promote human rights and, more particularly, the individual rights of the most vulnerable groups, notably children, the elderly, the handicapped, ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples.”

 

In order to facilitate tourism for people with restricted physical abilities, some measures have to be implemented at the international level: fair and accurate information is a must; transportation and hospitality chains must be flawless; accessibility standards for tourism sites and establishments should meet international norms.

 

We invite you to participate in this World Summit Destinations for All so that, together, we may facilitate travel for all of our fellow citizens, without exception.

 

This is a gathering FOR ALL… in Montreal, from October 19 to 22, 2014.

 

 

The co-chairs of the Steering Committee, World Summit Destinations for All

 

André Vallerand

Special Advisor to the Secretary General, United Nations World Tourism Organization

President, Word Centre of Excellence for Destinations

 

Ivor Ambrose

Manager Director, European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)

 

 

1. UNWTO, World Tourism Barometer, Madrid, January 2012.
    

2. World Report on Disability, 2011. The World Bank, quoted by Yannis Vardakastanis. International Disability Alliance, Opening remarks, Civil Society CRDP Forum, New York July 16 2013.