TOURISM, A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

As a consequence, disabled tourists shall become more visible, which will contribute to overcome social stereotypes and prejudice. Guaranteeing comprehensive disability awareness and disability equality training of all staff working in the tourism sector is necessary, as well as ensuring full and equal participation of disabled tourists on equal basis as non-disabled people. Proper training is also necessary to ensure a good understanding of the "design for all" philosophy and the application of a European accessibility labelling system. Finally, accessible information is a prerequisite to make sure that disabled consumers can chose the best rates and offers in the sector.

In other words, "tourism for all" is not about creating separated services for disabled people, it is about a full integration of disabled people in the mainstream tourism sector.

Therefore, the European Disability Forum will continue to work in view of the development of new policy initiatives in the field. As proposed during the ministerial conference held in Bruges ( Belgium ) in July 2001, EDF main purpose is to further encourage the European Commission discussions on the dev elopment of a European label of accessibility, in close consultation with the relevant European standardisation bodies. We will also keep pushing for the integration of a disability dimension in all conferences and events in the tourism sector to be held at European level.

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