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                    <title><![CDATA[Newsroom Spain]]></title>
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                    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:04:52 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL IN SEVILLE</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/accessible-travel-in-seville/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/accessible-travel-in-seville/</guid><pp:caseid>706498</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p>With the Spain For All advisory board currently gathered in Seville in order to discuss the report’s findings while in the destination and to build upon the work they have accomplished thus far, here are some of the most accessible tourist attractions, walking routes and infrastructure in Seville.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>ACCESSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SEVILLE</u></strong></p><p><strong>Royal Alcázar & Seville Cathedral</strong><br>Both the Royal Alcázar and Seville Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer excellent accessibility for wheelchair users, including ramps and adapted restrooms. The Alcázar features Mudejar architecture and beautiful gardens, while the Cathedral impresses with its grand Gothic design and houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.</p><p><strong>Las Setas</strong><br>Las Setas, is a striking modern structure with a fully accessible viewing platform reached by elevator, offering sweeping views of Seville. Beneath the structure, the Antiquarium Museum showcases Roman ruins and is also wheelchair-friendly.</p><p><strong>Maria Luisa Park</strong><br>Maria Luisa Park is a spacious, scenic park with wide, flat paths ideal for wheelchairs. and home to the stunning Plaza de España.</p><p><strong><u>ACCESSIBLE WALKING ROUTES IN SEVILLE</u></strong></p><p><strong>Sierra Rail Trail</strong><br>The Sierra Rail Trail is a 36-kilometer greenway built on a former railway line, offering a smooth, flat path ideal for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Winding through the scenic countryside of the Sierra de Cádiz, the trail includes tunnels, viaducts, and rest areas. Adapted bicycles are available for rent, making it easier for travellers with physical disabilities to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.</p><p><strong>Sierra Norte de Sevilla Rail Trail</strong><br>Located within a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve, the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Rail Trail spans 18 kilometres and provides a peaceful escape into nature. The trail is divided into three accessible sections, each offering shaded paths, gentle gradients, and spots to rest or enjoy a picnic. It’s especially rich in birdlife and native flora, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet, accessible outdoor experience.</p><p><strong>La Campiña Rail Trail</strong><br>Stretching over 84.5 kilometers, the La Campiña Rail Trail connects Córdoba to Seville through rolling farmland and picturesque towns. While the full trail is long, accessible segments near the town of Marchena have been adapted for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. This trail blends scenic beauty with cultural heritage.</p><p><strong><u>ACCESSIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE</u></strong></p><p><strong>Public Transport</strong><br>Seville’s public transportation system is well-adapted for travellers with reduced mobility. The metro, buses, and trams all feature low-floor vehicles, ramps, and reserved seating for wheelchair users. Metro stations are equipped with elevators and tactile paving for visually impaired travellers. Most bus stops include clear signage and ramps, making it easy to board and disembark allow travellers to navigate the city comfortably and independently.</p><p><strong>Taxis</strong><br>Radio Taxi de Sevilla operates a fleet of specially adapted vehicles designed to accommodate wheelchairs. These taxis have ramps or lifts and spacious interiors to ensure comfort and safety for passengers with mobility impairments. They can be booked in advance by phone or app, and many drivers are trained to assist passengers with special needs.</p><p><strong>Seville Accessible App</strong><br>The Seville Accessible App is a valuable digital tool for navigating the city with ease. Designed for both residents and tourists, the app provides real-time updates on accessible routes, transit options, public spaces, and major tourist sites. It includes maps, detailed accessibility information, and location-based services that help users plan their routes efficiently.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[SFA,News,Sustainability]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 17:57:34 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>ADE ADEPITAN TO JOIN SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE ADVISORY BOARD IN SEVILLE</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-to-join-spanish-tourist-office-advisory-board-in-seville/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-to-join-spanish-tourist-office-advisory-board-in-seville/</guid><pp:caseid>693307</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p><span>In this video, </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-campaign/" target="_blank"><span>Spain for All</span></a><span> Ambassador, Ade Adepitan, announces his participation in </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spanish-tourist-office-uk-to-host-spain-for-all-advisory-board-in-seville-in-may-2025/" target="_blank"><span>the<strong> </strong>upcoming trip to Seville</span></a><span> as part of the "Spain for All" accessibility campaign, in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office. Ade shares why he is visiting Seville as part of his mission to promote accessibility in travel. He highlights Spain’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, sharing ‘</span><i><span>“I’m really proud that the biggest destination for British travellers takes accessibility so seriously, as Spain has always been a welcoming destination.”</span></i></p><p><span>As a member of the Advisory Board, Ade has been working with experts from both the British and Spanish travel industries to identify both the challenges and opportunities for making travel more accessible. He shares how he looks forward to Seville and exploring how local tourism businesses are enhancing inclusivity and ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the city's rich culture and history.</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>-ENDS-</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>To support or endorse this campaign on social media, please find assets </span><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/q4gsh407z85t89nkzamlq/h?rlkey=amzcd4mvnm29blew91ox1k3ir&e=1&dl=0" target="_blank"><span>here</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>#SpainForAll</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For more details on this campaign, please see </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-campaign/" target="_blank"><span>here.</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit </span><a href="http://www.spain.info" target="_blank"><span>www.spain.info</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span>@Spain_inUK</span></a><span>&nbsp; / Spain on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span>Facebook</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span>If you would like to be involved with Spain’s advisory panel on accessibility, please contact </span><a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span>Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Accessibility,Highlight,News,SFA,SFA2]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:26:19 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>‘SPAIN FOR ALL’ ADVISORY BOARD REUNITE AT ABTA’S ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL AND TOURISM SEMINAR</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-advisory-board-reunited-at-abtas-accessible-travel-and-tourism-seminar/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-advisory-board-reunited-at-abtas-accessible-travel-and-tourism-seminar/</guid><pp:caseid>687532</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p><span>At </span><a href="https://www.abta.com/events/accessible-travel-seminar-london" target="_blank"><span>ABTA’s Accessible Travel and Tourism seminar</span></a><span>, Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), joined industry partners to discuss progress in improving travel accessibility and to share insight into the next stage of the ‘Spain for All’ campaign. Butler also met with advisory board members of ‘Spain for All’ &nbsp;(pictured) and remarked:</span></p><p><span>“It was fantastic to reconnect with our Hispano-British ‘Spain for All’ advisory board members as we continue building on the important progress made so far, working towards a model that ensures a truly inclusive experience for all travellers. This May, </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spanish-tourist-office-uk-to-host-spain-for-all-advisory-board-in-seville-in-may-2025/" target="_blank"><span>we will travel to Seville for the IV Session of the ‘Spain for All’ Advisory Board </span></a><span>to share our findings with local tourism businesses and stakeholders. This initiative has several key objectives, including showcasing Spain’s accessible tourism offerings, strengthening industry partnerships, using feedback to drive growth, and increasing awareness of the ‘Spain for All’ campaign. Seville was the natural choice to host this session, given its remarkable strides in improving accessibility across the city. It offers the ideal setting for meaningful discussions and strategic planning while highlighting Spain as a leading accessible destination. There is much more to come this year, and we are excited for the journey ahead.”</span></p><p><span>Pictured from left to right:</span></p><ul><li><span>Jesús Ruiz, Head of Sustainability and Impact at The Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></li><li><span>Manuel Butler, Director of The Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></li><li><span>Susan Deer, Director of Industry Relations at ABTA</span></li><li><span>Marina Snellenburg, Accessibility Manager at TUI Group</span></li><li><span>Ben Kirby, CEO of Enable Holidays</span></li><li><span>Angus Drummond, CEO of Limitless Travel</span></li></ul>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Sustainability,Accessibility,Highlight,SFA]]></category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                <pp:imageOriginal>https://content.presspage.com/uploads/567/1ccfa60a-4183-4d84-ad03-fd05caffe106/seville2.jpg?10000</pp:imageOriginal><pp:imageTitle><![CDATA[Seville 2]]></pp:imageTitle></item><item>
                        <title>SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE (UK) TO HOST ‘SPAIN FOR ALL’ ADVISORY BOARD IN SEVILLE IN MAY 2025</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spanish-tourist-office-uk-to-host-spain-for-all-advisory-board-in-seville-in-may-2025/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spanish-tourist-office-uk-to-host-spain-for-all-advisory-board-in-seville-in-may-2025/</guid><pp:caseid>680677</pp:caseid><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The Spanish Tourist Office (UK) has laid out the next steps in its </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-campaign/" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>‘Spain For All’</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> campaign, a Hispano-British initiative working towards accessible travel to the destination, which will see the Advisory Panel Members gathering in Seville between </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">19<sup>th</sup> May to 22<sup>nd</sup> May 2025</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The objective is to discuss the report’s findings while in the destination and to build upon the work the Advisory Board has accomplished thus far to create a model that provides a universally inclusive experience for all travellers.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The trip will highlight Spain’s commitment to delivering barrier-free travel experiences that cater to all travellers, including those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive challenges. This initiative has several key objectives, with top priorities including showcasing Spain’s accessible tourism offerings, strengthening industry partnerships, using feedback to drive growth, and increasing awareness of the ‘Spain For All’ campaign.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK) says:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“Seville has been selected to host the IV Session of the Hispano-British ‘Spain For All’ Advisory Board due to the remarkable strides it has made towards improving accessibility in the city. It is an ideal setting for the discussions and planning sessions, as well as showcasing the very best of Spain as an accessible visitor destination”.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Angie Moreno, Seville Tourism Councillor says:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">"It is an honour for the city of Seville to host the IV Advisory Board for the ‘Spain For All’ campaign, promoted by the Spanish Tourism Office in London, and held for the first time in its history outside of England, bringing together the leading British tourism agents working on universal accessibility.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Our city will have the opportunity to showcase not only the progress made in improving urban accessibility but also the projects we are currently working on to enhance the experience of visitors and, in turn, the quality of life for residents. Ultimately, our goal is to achieve a more inclusive and accessible future for everyone."</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[SFA,Highlight,new,News]]></category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
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                <pp:imageOriginal>https://content.presspage.com/uploads/567/7a1c86f1-6c35-44b7-8a8c-980bc90235c1/copiadees-sevilla-plaza-espantildea-17072820321511.jpg?10000</pp:imageOriginal><pp:imageTitle><![CDATA[Copia de ES_Sevilla_Plaza_Espa&amp;ntilde;a-170728203215 (1) (1)]]></pp:imageTitle><pp:imageDescription><![CDATA[La Plaza de Espa&amp;ntilde;a es un conjunto arquitect&amp;oacute;nico enclavado en el Parque de Mar&amp;iacute;a Luisa de la ciudad de Sevilla, Espa&amp;ntilde;a. Se construy&amp;oacute; como edificio principal y de mayor envergadura de la Exposici&amp;oacute;n Iberoamericana de 1929 y es tambi&amp;eacute;n el mayor de los construidos en toda la ciudad durante el siglo XX.]]></pp:imageDescription></item><item>
                        <title>THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE LEADS PANEL DISCUSSION ON ENHANCING ACCESSIBLE TOURISM AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/the-spanish-tourist-office-leads-panel-discussion-on-enhancing-accessible-tourism-at-world-travel-market/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/the-spanish-tourist-office-leads-panel-discussion-on-enhancing-accessible-tourism-at-world-travel-market/</guid><pp:caseid>678725</pp:caseid><pp:subtitle>‘Spain For All’ ambassador Ade Adepitan outlines his desire to make Spain the best destination for travellers with disabilities and accessibility requirements</pp:subtitle><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p><span>To support or endorse this campaign on social media, please find assets </span><a href="\"><span><u>here</u></span></a><span> <strong>#SpainForAll.</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>For more details on this campaign, please see </span><a href="\"><span><u>here.</u></span></a><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit </span><a href="\"><span><u>www.spain.info</u></span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="\"><span><u>@Spain_inUK</u></span></a><span> / Spain on </span><a href="\"><span><u>Facebook</u></span></a><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>If you would like to be involved with Spain’s advisory panel on accessibility, please contact </span><a href="\"><span><u>Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</u></span></a><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<img src="https://content.presspage.com/uploads/567/33c43085-90ee-4b0e-b61d-b9dda6b1d790/1920_spainforallpanelpic.jpg?10000"><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>London, November 2024</strong>: At the World Travel Market 2024, the Spanish Tourist Office UK placed tourism accessibility at the forefront, hosting a panel dedicated to improving accessibility within the tourism sector. The session featured several advisory members of the ‘Spain For All’ committee including Angus Drummond (Moderator), CEO of Limitless Travel & Accessibility Consultant, Miguel Carrasco, Director of the Spanish non-profit organisation Impulsa Igualdad and Tur4All, Marina Snellenberg, Accessibility Manager at TUI and Pedro Medina, Deputy Director of the Spanish Tourist Office. The panel joined by TV presenter and access-needs ambassador, Ade Adepitan, to discuss ‘Spain For All’, a campaign striving to improve the experience for access-needs travellers while visiting the destination.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The panel aimed to explore strategies and solutions for enhancing accessibility across the tourism industry. Drummond, recognised the advancements that the industry has made in allowing all people to enjoy the most enriching of travel experiences, however noted that there is still a long way to go and further challenges to overcome.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">'Spain For All' ambassador Ade Adepitan shared his reasons for becoming the ‘Spain For All’ ambassador and his love for Spain revealing that he first travelled to Spain in the mid-nineties as part of a basketball tour to the country. The ambassador spoke of his time in Zaragoza and explained how he felt Spain was further ahead than other destinations in its accessibility journey saying that he now travels to the country once or twice a year: </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“it’s like my second home and they have created a blueprint in accessible tourism”.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Adepitan was inspired as a youngster by physiotherapists who got him into basketball and encouraged him to help people, help people. </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“Travel is one of the greatest powers we have as the human race and for so long, for people with disabilities, it has been closed off. It’s heart-breaking that as a kid I felt I could not enjoy the same travel experiences as other more able-bodied people. Travel has enriched my life and it’s only right that I encourage other disabled needs people to travel. My message to all disabled people, we see you and we want to be the leaders for all the destinations to provide those experiences.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Adepitan said </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“when the world becomes fully accessible, people will look back at Spain’s campaign and see this was where the seeds were planted,”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> adding: “</span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">This is what’s going to transform the tourism industry, not just in Spain but all over the world</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Marina Snellenberg from TUI highlighted that it makes commercial sense for travel providers to cater for customers with access needs. Snellenberg explained that </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“the industry has focused on the moral argument of ‘it’s the right thing to do’, however we at TUI have begun to think about the commercial aspect of catering for people with access needs. Those with access needs spend more, stay longer, and generate significant commercial revenue for the business.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> Snellenberg reported that TUI has made big strides in providing for their loyal customer base, some of which have been life-long customers and, as they age, encounter more difficulties when it comes to travelling abroad. Marina also revealed that 40% of all TUI customers choose Spain and that the large majority of their customers with access needs also choose to travel to Spain.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Also present on the panel was Miguel Carrasco, Director of Impulsa Igualdad and Tur4All, a Spanish organisation with over a quarter century of experience in promoting equality and accessibility throughout Spain. Carrasco explained that Impulsa Igualdad has ongoing projects to develop accessibility to destinations within Spain such as in the Valencian Community. Carrasco and Adepitan agreed that Spain’s leadership in destination accessibility began with the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games. Carrasco stated: “</span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The city and the country were a spotlight for the world and resulted in Spain surging forward in catering to accessibility needs,</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">” and added that </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“we need opportunities for self-service for the customer without underestimating the need for accessible travel agents.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Pedro Medina from the Spanish Tourist Office discussed how through this campaign, the committee has been able to develop the </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/download/072275c3-120c-4867-8d5b-a697d70d185c/thespanishtouristoffice039spainforall039report.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>Acessibility Findings Reports</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">. Medina said: “</span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Across three thought-provoking sessions, industry experts, accessibility consultants, and those with lived experiences of disability, spoke on what accessible travel means in 2024. From these sessions that took place between April and June 2024, the Spanish Tourist Office has created this Accessibility Findings Report to underline some of the key challenges and discussion points around accessible travel and carve a roadmap towards a more inclusive travel sector”.</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The five pillars of the report include:&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Defining Accessibility and Ensuring Inclusivity</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">It’s important not to default to wheelchair users when talking about accessibility.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;" start="2"><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Closing the Information Gap</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">There is an information gap on accessible travel for both consumers and businesses.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;" start="3"><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Collaboration and Consultation</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Accessible travel is a complex topic, and destinations and organisations should not feel they need to adapt alone. Collaboration is key.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;" start="4"><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Data</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Accessibility adaptations should be data-driven, supported by insights from those with lived experiences of disability, and with integrated feedback loops.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;" start="5"><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Adapting the Customer Journey</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:48px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The entire customer journey should be adapted to accommodate for consumers with accessibility needs from the research and booking process all the way through to end-of-service.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Medina also made it clear that the final area to underline is that this process will require collaboration with industry members. </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“Businesses and consumers should not feel isolated”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">, he declared.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The floor was then given to ambassador Ade Adepitan to explain his vision moving forward. </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“First of all, we will all experience disability at some point in our lives so, somewhat prematurely, welcome to the club!” You can’t build the world for us, without us. My advice to any tourism board or company when you’re thinking about disability is to make sure you include people with different levels of disability because the experience is not homogenous. All people have different experiences. We shouldn’t worry about making mistakes and we shouldn’t be held back by the fear of failure.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Next steps of the</strong></span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong> </strong></span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>‘Spain For All’</strong></span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong> </strong></span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>campaign</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The Spanish Tourist Office (UK) announced plans to recruit new advisory members in 2025, with activations scheduled to take place in both the UK and Spain. Medina said: </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“We need to overcome challenges, we would like to include more voices.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in the UK, stated, </span><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“At the Spanish Tourism Office, our mission goes beyond promoting destinations through marketing campaigns. We are committed to breaking down barriers in travel, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience Spain's beauty, culture, and diversity. There is still much work to be done, but we are dedicated to making this vision a reality.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[SFA,Highlight,News,new]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:06:47 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>FIRST ACCESSIBILITY FINDINGS REPORT</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/first-accessibility-findings-report/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/first-accessibility-findings-report/</guid><pp:caseid>654775</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4>SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE PUBLISHES FIRST ACCESSIBILITY REPORT FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD SESSIONS</h4><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/download/072275c3-120c-4867-8d5b-a697d70d185c/thespanishtouristoffice039spainforall039report.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><i><strong><u>Download Accessibility Findings Report</u></strong></i></span></a></p><p><span>The Spanish Tourist Office has published it’s first Accessibility Findings Report following a series of panel discussions with a dedicated travel industry advisory board on accessibility.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Across three thought-provoking sessions, industry experts, accessibility consultants, and those with lived experiences of disability, spoke on what accessible travel means in 2024. From these sessions that took place between April and June 2024, the Spanish Tourist Office has created this Accessibility Findings Report to underline some of the key challenges and discussion points around accessible travel and carve a roadmap towards a more inclusive travel sector.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The sessions were moderated by Angus Drummond, UK accessibility consultant and CEO of Limitless Travel, with additional input from ‘Spain for All’ ambassador </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-appointed-as-ambassador-for-spain-for-all/"><span>Ade Adepitan</span></a><span> and IMPULSA IGUALDAD; a Spanish non-profit organisation dedicated to representing those with disabilities and accessibility requirements, including the standardisation of tourism practices.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), says</span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“We are proud to share the Spanish Tourist Office’s Accessibility Findings Report as the culmination of our work on accessibility over the last six months. Our aim is for this report to be used as a launching point for destinations or private travel companies wishing to start their own accessibility journey.</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“At the Spanish Tourist Office, we believe everyone has a right to experience travel, and we are committed to reducing discrimination and improving accessibility within our travel sector. &nbsp;The spending power of disabled people in the UK is estimated at £274 billion, and we aim to better understand and cater to the needs of this important consumer demographic.</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Angus Drummond, Ade Adepitan, the team at Impulsa Igualdad and every member of our advisory board panel that contributed to the creation of this report. We look forward to the continuation of this initiative to create further dialogue between Spain and the United Kingdom around accessible travel and further our understanding around the challenges travellers with accessibility needs may face, and the opportunities to improve.”</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span>Key pillars of the report include:</span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Defining accessibility & ensuring inclusivity</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>It’s important not to default to wheelchair users when talking about accessibility</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Closing the Information Gap</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>There is an information gap on accessible travel for both consumers and businesses</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Collaboration and Consultation</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Accessible travel is a complex topic, and destinations and organisations should not feel they need to adapt alone, collaboration is key.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Data</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>Accessibility adaptations should be data-driven, supported by insights from those with lived experiences of disability, with integrated feedback loops.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <u>Adapting the customer journey</u></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The entire customer journey should be adapted to accommodate for consumers with accessibility needs from the research and booking process all the way through to end-of-service.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The report concludes the first chapter of ‘Spain for All', a campaign aimed at better understanding the needs of British holidaymakers with accessibility requirements. The campaign is underpinned by an ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, eliminating discrimination and improving diversity within the travel sector.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The campaign also included a consumer survey to better understand Spain’s position as an accessible destination for British travellers.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span><u>Advisory Panel Members:</u></span></p><ul><li><span><strong>Amanda Norey</strong>, Executive Recruitment Consultant, Gail Kenny</span></li><li><span><strong>Angie Hills</strong>, Head of Destinations, ABTA</span></li><li><span><strong>Angus Drummond</strong>, Founder, Limitless Travel and accessibility consultant (moderator)</span></li><li><span><strong>Atlyn&nbsp;Forde</strong>, CEO, Communicate Inclusively</span></li><li><span><strong>Ben Kirby</strong>, CEO, Enable Holidays</span></li><li><span><strong>Carol Rose</strong>, Head of Sustainability, ABTA</span></li><li><span><strong>Harry Wales</strong>, Founder, Travelosophers&nbsp;</span></li><li><span><strong>Jesús Ruiz,</strong> Head of Sustainability & Impact, Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></li><li><span><strong>Jonathan Fletcher</strong>, CEO, Wheelie Good Travel</span></li><li><span><strong>Kate McWilliams</strong>, Managing Director, LOTUS</span></li><li><span><strong>Manuel Butler</strong>, Director, The Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></li><li><span><strong>Marina Snellenberg</strong>, PRM & Accessibility Manager, TUI</span></li><li><span><strong>Miguel Carrasco</strong>, Director of Tourism, Impulsa Igualdad / Tur4All (Spain) and COO in TUR4all Travel</span></li><li><span><strong>Monica Molina</strong>, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Solutions (Barcelona)&nbsp;</span></li><li><span><strong>Paula Hansen</strong>, Managing Director, World Accessible Holidays</span></li><li><span><strong>Sassy Wyatt</strong>, Accessibility and travel consultant, Blind Girl Adventures</span></li><li><span><strong>Stelena Angelova</strong>, Technician, Impulsa Igualdad / Tur4All (Spain)</span></li><li><span><strong>Susan Deer</strong>, Director of Industry Relations, ABTA</span></li></ul>]]></description><category><![CDATA[SFA,Highlight,Sustainability]]></category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:36:36 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>ADE ADEPITAN SPEAKS ON ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-speaks-on-accessible-travel/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-speaks-on-accessible-travel/</guid><pp:caseid>652311</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4>ADE ADEPITAN DISCUSSES ‘SPAIN FOR ALL’ WITH TTG MEDIA</h4><p>‘Spain for All’ ambassador, Ade Adepitan, meets with TTG's Daniel Pearce to discuss what accessible travel means in 2024. In the interview, part of TTG's Fairer Travel Month in July, Ade highlights the spending power the disabled community has in the UK, which he argues is not being capitalised upon successfully within the industry.&nbsp; He touches on key issues facing accessible travel, including the dangerous assumption that all people with disabilities are one homogeneous group, the importance of catering to families with members with &nbsp;disabilities, &nbsp;and how to give the travel industry the tools to better cater to people with disability needs.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:left;"><span>Ade Adepitan, </span>British television presenter and wheelchair basketball player,<strong> </strong><span>is the official ambassador for ‘</span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all/"><span><u>Spain for All’</u></span></a><span>, a campaign from the Spanish Tourist Office underlining the country’s commitment to improving accessibility and social inclusivity within the travel and tourism sector. </span><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="text-align:left;">Adepitan has spent significant time in Spain having lived in Zaragoza and has travelled the length and breadth of the country both personally and professionally. His ambassadorship role includes consultancy services for the advisory panel, personal feedback on his own experiences of travelling around the country as a wheelchair user, and endorsement of the campaign.&nbsp;</span></span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Accessibility,City,SFA]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE HOSTS ACCESSIBILITY PANEL</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/the-spanish-tourist-office-hosts-accessibility-panel/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/the-spanish-tourist-office-hosts-accessibility-panel/</guid><pp:caseid>630547</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4>THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE HOSTS ITS FIRST TRAVEL INDUSTRY ADVISORY PANEL ON ACCESSIBILITY</h4><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The Spanish Tourist Office has run its first advisory panel to identify key challenges and opportunities for accessible tourism as part of its latest ‘Spain for All’ campaign. The advisory panel, comprised of travel industry professionals, accessibility experts, and people from the disabled community with additional input from ‘Spain for All’ ambassador, TV presenter and former professional wheelchair basketball player, Ade Adepitan.</span></p><p><span>The session, which was the first in a series of three, was moderated by accessibility consultant, Angus Drummond, founder of Limitless Travel. A passionate traveller, Angus' life took a transformative turn when he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in his early twenties. Leaving his career in investment banking, Angus embarked on global exploration, only to discover the profound lack of information and accessibility for disabled travellers. Determined to make a difference, Angus founded Limitless Travel upon returning home. The company now takes 1,000 guests on accessible, inclusive, and supported holidays worldwide each year.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>The focus of the first advisory panel session was on changing mindsets and focusing on solutions, rather than problems with key topics including:</span></p><ul><li style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>The importance of the feedback loop&nbsp;between end-users and service providers</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Overcoming fear by sharing information and best practice &nbsp;</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>A blueprint for digital&nbsp;accessibility&nbsp;</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>Government&nbsp;& legislation and the impact on accessible development</strong></span></li><li style="text-align:justify;"><span><strong>The commercial opportunity & investment into accessible travel</strong></span></li></ul><p><span>Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office, says:</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“I am delighted to launch the first advisory panel on accessibility as part of our ‘Spain for All’ campaign. It was fantastic to hear from a range of accessibility experts and people with lived experiences of disability in order to guide the Spanish Tourist Office’s accessibility strategy. Spain aspires to be a welcoming destination with high-quality services that consider universal accessibility, and listening to experts is a key step along this journey. I look forward to the next advisory panel session.”</span></i></p><p><span style="color:#E64C4C;"><span><u>Panel Members:</u></span></span></p><p><span><strong>Angus Drummond</strong>, Founder, Limitless Travel <strong>(moderator)</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Atlyn&nbsp;Forde</strong>, CEO, Communicate Inclusively</span></p><p><span><strong>Amanda Norey</strong>, Executive Recruitment Consultant, Gail Kenny</span></p><p><span><strong>Anthony William</strong>, Founder, The World is Accessible</span></p><p><span><strong>Angie Hills</strong>, Head of Destinations, ABTA</span></p><p><span><strong>Ben Kirby</strong>, CEO, Enable Holidays</span></p><p><span><strong>Harry Wales</strong>, Founder, Travelosophers&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>Jonathan Fletcher</strong>, CEO, Wheelie Good Travel</span></p><p><span><strong>Marina Snellingberg</strong>, PRM & Accessibility Manager, TUI</span></p><p><span><strong>Monica Molina</strong>, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Solutions (Barcelona)&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>Paula Hansen</strong>, Managing Director, World Accessible Holidays&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>Susan Deer</strong>, Director of Industry Relations, ABTA</span></p><p><span><strong>Sassy Wyatt</strong>, Accessibility and travel consultant, Blind Girl Adventures</span></p><p><span><strong>Manuel Butler</strong>, Director, The Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></p><p><span><strong>Jesús Ruiz,</strong> Head of Sustainability & Impact, Spanish Tourist Office (UK)</span></p><p><span><strong>Miguel Carrasco</strong>, Development Director & Director of Tourism, Impulsa Igualdad / Tur4All (Spain)</span></p><p><span><strong>Stelena Angelova</strong>, Technician, Impulsa Igualdad / Tur4All (Spain)</span></p><p><span><strong>Kate McWilliams</strong>, Managing Director, LOTUS</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Accessibility,SFA]]></category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 17:21:29 +0200</pubDate>
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                        <title>ADE ADEPITAN APPOINTED AS AMBASSADOR FOR SPAIN FOR ALL</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-appointed-as-ambassador-for-spain-for-all/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/ade-adepitan-appointed-as-ambassador-for-spain-for-all/</guid><pp:caseid>623863</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share you articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<h4><span><strong>THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE APPOINTS ADE ADEPITAN AS AMBASSADOR FOR “SPAIN FOR ALL” CAMPAIGN</strong></span></h4><ul><li><span><strong>Ade Adepitan, British television presenter and wheelchair basketball player, has been confirmed as the ambassador for the Spanish Tourist Office’s latest #SpainforAll campaign.</strong></span></li><li><span><strong>(Industry peers that would like to like to share any insight or consider joining the ‘Spain for All’ campaign on an advisory panel can register their interest </strong></span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-we-want-your-thoughts/preview/80cb459cd4d94dc47a5c4c9b905ef6c6a5976a9b"><span><strong>here</strong></span></a><span><strong>)</strong></span></li></ul><p><span>Ade Adepitan has been confirmed as the official ambassador for ‘</span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all/"><span>Spain for All’</span></a><span>, a campaign from the Spanish Tourist Office underlining the country’s commitment to improving accessibility and social inclusivity within the travel and tourism sector.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>‘Spain for All’ comprises of a number of different initiatives aimed at creating dialogue, sharing key learnings, and building a roadmap for better tourism inclusivity from a social and accessibility standpoint. The campaign includes a travel industry </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-we-want-your-thoughts/preview/80cb459cd4d94dc47a5c4c9b905ef6c6a5976a9b"><span>advisory panel</span></a><span> with the aim of collating feedback to identify key challenges and opportunities and help build a roadmap towards positive progress.</span></p><p><span>Adepitan has spent significant time in Spain having lived in Zaragoza and has travelled the length and breadth of the country both personally and professionally. His ambassadorship role includes consultancy services for the advisory panel, personal feedback on his own experiences of travelling around the country as a wheelchair user, and endorsement of the campaign. He is also playing a role at </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spains-sustainability-day/"><span>Spain Sustainability Day</span></a><span> taking place on 17 April 2024, with a part of the day dedicated to social sustainability and accessibility.</span></p><p><span>Ade Adepitan says:</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“I am ecstatic to work alongside the Spanish Tourist Office on the ‘Spain for All’ campaign. &nbsp;This type of campaign can truly have a life changing impact on one of the most neglected communities in the world. The disabled community!</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>Overall, I already rank Spain highly when it comes to accessibility provisions and infrastructure, but we need to educate everyone who works in the tourism industry about how to cater for people with disabilities. We should not be seen as a burden and should be treated with the same respect as all paying customers.&nbsp; When you are dealing with a person with a disability, you should not make assumptions about what they can and can’t do. &nbsp;Ask them what they need and listen to them, listen to hear and not to challenge, and always have a can-do attitude.</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>I believe this campaign could be one of the most important moments in the history of Spanish tourism. The disabled community has billions of pounds of spending power, but until now nobody has ever taken a serious look at how to give us that 5-star service experience.”</span></i></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span>This campaign follows a UK survey conducted by Opinium on behalf of the Spanish Tourist Office in December 2023 which asked 1800 UK adults for their thoughts on how accessible Spain is as a travel destination with 86 percent of respondents considering Spain to be ‘very or quite’ accessible.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“</span></i><span>Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), says:</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><i><span>“We are delighted to have Ade Adepitan on board as the ambassador for ‘Spain for All’. &nbsp;Having spent time all over Spain, from Zaragoza to Ibiza, Ade is the perfect champion to support the Spanish Tourist Office’s objective of making Spain accessible to all. We hope to learn from Mr Adepitan and our peers in the travel industry to better understand the challenges people with accessibility needs face as we continue to advocate for a more inclusive travel sector.”</span></i></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Celebrity,Campaign,Social,Sustainability,SFA]]></category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:49:16 +0100</pubDate>
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                        <title>SPAIN FOR ALL ANNOUNCEMENT</title>
                        <link>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all/</link>
                        <guid>https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all/</guid><pp:caseid>605977</pp:caseid><pp:boilerplate><![CDATA[<p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">For more information on Spain as a tourism destination, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.spain.info/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">www.spain.info</span></a><span style="color:#AD1519;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/spain_inuk?lang=en" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">@Spain_inUK</span></a>&nbsp;/ Spain on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/spain.info.gb/?brand_redir=184786328961" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Facebook</span></a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a class="ck-anchor" id="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" name="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" href="mailto:spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:center;">If you’d like to be featured on Spain's newsroom, please share your articles with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Spain@wearelotus.co.uk" target="_blank"><span style="color:#AD1519;">Spain@wearelotus.co.uk</span></a>&nbsp;using the header ‘feature suggestion for Spain’s Newsroom’.</p>]]></pp:boilerplate><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>THE SPANISH TOURIST OFFICE ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN “SPAIN FOR ALL”</strong></p><ul><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>The campaign underlines the country’s commitment to improving accessibility and social inclusivity within the travel and tourism sector.&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>Travel industry peers that would like to like to share any insight or consider joining the advisory panel can register their interest </strong></span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-we-want-your-thoughts/preview/80cb459cd4d94dc47a5c4c9b905ef6c6a5976a9b" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong><u>here</u></strong></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>.&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">In a move towards fostering accessible tourism and promoting social inclusivity, the Spanish Tourist Office (UK) announces the launch of its new campaign "Spain for All”, underlying the country’s aspiration to be a welcoming destination for all, with an ongoing commitment to improving accessibility, eliminating discrimination, and improving diversity within the travel sector.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">‘Spain for All’ will comprise of a number of different initiatives aimed at creating dialogue, sharing key learnings and building a roadmap for better inclusivity from a social and accessibility standpoint to enable more visitors to Spain to immerse themselves in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the country.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK says:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">“In Spain, we place strong emphasis on putting frameworks in place for equal opportunities, to expand social rights and reduce the gaps and prejudice between different groups. Our aim is to create geographic and economic sustainability with a socially inclusive tourism model that spreads the benefits around the country, 365 days of the year. To work towards greater equality, good governance and public policy is vital but we also want to learn from our peers in the travel industry and create dialogue to better understand both the challenges and the opportunities as we advocate for a more inclusive travel sector.”</span></i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">At policy level, accessibility regulations and support for those with disabilities have been in place in Spain for over 40 years. City infrastructure in Spain must meet accessibility requirements, with many setting the benchmark for accessibility by winning or being shortlisted for the European Commission Access City Awards over the last 20 years: including Ávila, Barcelona, Bilbao, Burgos and Castellón.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Visitors to Spain can obtain accessibility support and information through </span><a href="http://www.spainisaccessible.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><i><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>Spain Is Accessible;</u></span></i></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"> a seal of approval used by Spanish institutions to standardise the accessibility criteria across multiples sectors such as culture, food & wine, nature, sun & beach, health & beauty - to name just a few. The site offers information and support for travellers with disabilities and allows users to filter access to different attractions and destinations dependent on their individual needs. Other initiatives include Spain’s ONCE Foundation, formed in 1988, which reduces discrimination and improves the lives of those with disabilities from an accessibility, inclusion, and employment perspective. It is ranked among the world’s largest social business groups and is a global benchmark for disability organisations.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Looking specifically at tourism services and infrastructure within Spain, public transport is becoming more accessible especially within the large cities and newer Metro networks. In Madrid, around 70% of the Metro network is currently accessible and around 90% in Barcelona. Accessibility standards also apply to accommodation providers in Spain. Ilunion and Ilunion Hotels, part of ONCE, aim to bring more people with disabilities into the travel workforce, as well as providing a network of adapted hotels.</span><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">The first phase of the ‘Spain for All’ campaign includes the creation of an advisory panel with the aim of collating industry feedback to identify key challenges and opportunities and help identify a roadmap towards positive progress. Other actions to follow will include a consumer survey, panel discussions and a content campaign.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;text-align:justify;"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">Industry peers that would like to like to share any insight or consider joining the advisory panel can register their interest </span><a href="https://socialnewsroom.spain.info/spain-for-all-we-want-your-thoughts/preview/80cb459cd4d94dc47a5c4c9b905ef6c6a5976a9b" target="_blank"><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="margin:0px;padding:0px;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><category><![CDATA[Accessibility,Consumer,Campaign,LGBTQ+,SFA]]></category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
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