Traveling with Disabilities - Numbers and Investments at TTG Travel&Hospitality in Rimini

An important speech by Minister Massimo Garavaglia was held at the TTG Travel&Hospitality in Rimini, who announced the arrival of a 2 billion euro decree (4 with the leverage effect) of non-repayable tax credit intended for the restructuring of accommodation facilities for full accessibility to people with disabilities. In addition to being an important ethical issue, people with disabilities and those over 65 represent a pool of 127 million tourists in Europe, of which 10 million in Italy and a potential turnover of 800 billion per year.

But despite being an important segment of tourists, in Europe, only 9% of facilities are truly accessible to disabled people. Often there is a bathroom equipped for these people, but it is either full of brooms and buckets or is used as a warehouse to the point of being unusable. Minister Garavaglia, interviewed, said: "It is a problem that concerns us all, even if we are not disabled. In fact, it will concern us if, as we all hope, we grow old and die as late as possible." Garavaglia is also dealing with the problem together with Minister Erika Stefani. In fact, of the 100 million of the Inclusion fund, 30 million will be dedicated to accessible tourism.

We cannot think that accessible tourism is just a bathroom in accordance with the law, but it is the entire network that must be organised, structured to welcome people with "special" needs, making them feel above all at ease, but also allowing them to live in their holiday full.

To achieve truly inclusive tourism, a holistic approach is needed that goes beyond simple regulatory compliance. We must think of routes without architectural barriers, carefully designed hotel rooms, adequately equipped public and private transport, and tourist services that include recreational and cultural activities accessible to all. It is vital that every aspect of the trip, from planning to execution, is considered through the lens of accessibility, thus ensuring that people with disabilities can enjoy a holiday without obstacles and limitations."

Looking to the future, it is essential that the tourism industry recognizes accessibility as a right and not an option. The investments announced at TTG Travel&Hospitality in Rimini are a significant step towards this goal, but it is only the beginning. There is an urgent need for tourism operators, local councils and governments to work together to create a truly inclusive environment. Specific training should be implemented for staff, incentives for facilities that excel in accessibility, and a recognized certification that valorizes the efforts made in this direction. Only in this way will we be able to guarantee that tourism is truly for everyone, making each destination a place of welcome and unlimited possibilities