On 5 March 2025, the 13th edition of Accessible Tourism Day will take place at CityCube Berlin, aligning with ITB Berlin. Organised by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) and the Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of People with Disabilities, the event will bring together international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of accessible travel.
What is Accessible Tourism?
Accessible tourism refers to the creation of travel experiences that accommodate people with disabilities, older travellers, and anyone who faces barriers when travelling. It ensures that destinations, transport, accommodation, and attractions are designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to enjoy tourism without restrictions. This includes physical accessibility, such as wheelchair-friendly hotels and transport, as well as digital accessibility, such as websites that cater to people with visual impairments.
The goal of accessible tourism is to remove obstacles and create seamless experiences so that people of all abilities can travel with dignity, comfort, and independence. This movement benefits not only travellers with disabilities but also families with young children, elderly tourists, and those with temporary mobility issues.
A commitment to inclusive travel
The event will focus on strategies to make destinations more inclusive, ensuring that tourism services cater to people of all abilities. Discussions will highlight the importance of barrier-free destination development and tailored travel experiences that meet the needs of diverse travellers, including children and young people with disabilities.
A significant part of the agenda will examine the impact of legal frameworks such as the European Disability Act on the tourism industry. With accessibility regulations becoming increasingly stringent, businesses and policymakers must adapt to ensure compliance while fostering innovation.
Distinguished speakers and global perspectives
Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Commissioner for Tourism, and Jürgen Dusel, Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of People with Disabilities, will open the event, setting the stage for a day of meaningful discussions. A keynote address by Her Excellency Mrs Lina Mazhar Annab, Minister of Tourism & Antiquities of Jordan, will provide insight into international efforts to improve accessibility in tourism.
Experts from various countries, including Germany, Croatia, and Jordan, will present case studies of successful accessibility projects. Among them, representatives from the Leuchtenburg Foundation and the city of Zadar will share best practices in creating inclusive tourism experiences.
A panel discussion titled “Medium-term strategy and vision: What will accessible tourism look like in 10 years?” will feature key stakeholders from UN Tourism, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. They will explore future trends and the role of accessibility in shaping sustainable tourism development.
Technology and the future of Accessible Tourism
Digital advancements, including artificial intelligence and assistive technology, will be an important point of the discussions. As the travel industry increasingly embraces digitalisation, technology is crucial in enhancing accessibility. Innovative solutions, such as AI-powered travel assistants and virtual reality previews of accessible destinations, are revolutionising how people with disabilities plan and experience their journeys.
The event will also address how data-driven insights can help tourism businesses design better services for travellers with disabilities. By leveraging technology, the industry can create a more inclusive and seamless travel experience for all.
Tourism should be accessible to everyone, and events like these push the industry towards meaningful change.
Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of People with Disabilities
Albania takes centre stage as host country of ITB Berlin 2025
This year’s ITB Berlin is particularly significant as Albania takes centre stage as the official host country. From 4 to 6 March 2025, Albania will showcase its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to a global audience. The partnership was formalised in a memorandum of understanding signed by H.E. Vilma Bello, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin.
The country’s involvement in ITB Berlin 2025 underscores its commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and attracting a diverse range of visitors. By embracing accessible tourism, Albania aims to ensure that its destinations are welcoming and accommodating to all travellers, reflecting the broader goals of ITB Berlin’s Accessible Tourism Day.
