Welcome

As President of the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) I would like to welcome old and new members, policy- and decision makers, representatives from tourism companies and enterprises, and other stakeholders with links to tourism and accessibility around Europe; to the ENAT Congress "Trends and Perspectives for Accessible Tourism" in Vienna September 30th to October 1st 2009.

Accessible Tourism for all is becoming an increasingly important part of the tourism landscape. The demographic changes, with a growing number of older people, and policy changes to ensure disabled people the right to an independent life, are obvious driving forces that lead towards greater accessibility, sustainability and flexibility in the tourism sector.
The Congress will be an important opportunity for all participants to share knowledge, news, strategies, innovations and ideas for the development of accessible tourism. Some of the important themes planned for the general sessions and workshops at the Congress are: "Expectations and Possibilities in Standardisation and Regulation for the Further Development of Accessible Tourism"; "Marketing Strategies in Accessible Tourism"; "Success Evaluation of Accessible Tourism for All" and "Innovations in Accessible Tourism and Future Trends".

In 2006 the ENAT association started its activities. The network today numbers more than 200 members from 40 countries and 5 continents. With ENAT we want to help make Europe as a whole an accessible destination, where all travellers can move freely, enjoy new experiences and be sure of getting the service they need and expect. We believe that accessible tourism must be made a priority - for the good of the tourists and for the long-term sustainability of the European tourist industry. Other regions of the world also look to Europe as a beacon showing the way forward for the tourism industry and we warmly welcome collaboration with partners from around the globe who wish to work with ENAT.

The info-platform Barrierefreier Tourismus für Alle in Österreich (IBFT - www.ibft.at ) with its aim to widen the ideas and concept of Accessible Tourism for All; has invited us all to Vienna and the Congress; to ensure that information about existing initiatives and ideas will be shared across international boundaries. We are happy to have this opportunity for further transnational cooperation and the development of European Tourism.

I sincerely hope and look forward to see many familiar and new faces at our Congress in Vienna!

Best Wishes

Lilian Müller
President of ENAT

 

Download the invitation in English or in German

Last update: 2009-10-19 11:00:04