TURISMO DE NAVARRA AND THE ONCE FOUNDATION PRESENT THE ACCESSIBLE FRENCH WAY OF SANTIAGO

Turismo de Navarra and the ONCE Foundation present the Accessible Camino de Santiago Francés in Navarra. Its objective is to improve the experience of those with disabilities who wish to do the route by making it more accessible.

The ‘Accessible French Way of the Camino de Santiago’ will feature geolocation technology which will allow pilgrims with disabilities, especially blind people, to guide themselves along the entire Camino and locate different hostels to stay. The initiative will also evaluate the accessibility of accommodation options along the route. The project has been launched now as Spain is celebrating Xacobeo 2021, the Compostela Holy Year when pilgrims are most inclined to make the pilgrimage, and has received recognition from the Xacobean Council as part of the official programme. The ground-breaking project will make the Camino de Santiago accessible and provide equal opportunity for those with disabilities that wish to tick off a true bucket-list item.

The Director of Tourism of the Government of Navarra explained that "the Camino de Santiago is a fundamental element of Navarra's heritage, and also a priceless tourist resource that offers many different route options for people making the journey. However, the most important thing is not just completing the Camino de Santaigo walk, but also the experience along the way.  So it should be universally accesible so that everyone can partake in the experience given its suitable routes, accommodation and services. The walker has to be able to travel, take in their surroundings and discover the Camino de Santiago without limitations. It is also a fantastic trip to reactivate tourism in a safe, sustainable, inclusive and innovative manner."