Forging an Athens for All: Our Key Learnings from the World Summit on Accessible Tourism

The This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau team has just returned from Torino, Italy, energized and inspired by the global dialogue at the World Summit on Accessible Tourism (WSAT 2025). As one of the world's leading events in this field, the summit is a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, fostering global partnerships, and shaping the future of an industry that must be open to everyone.

It was an opportunity to listen, learn, and refine our vision for Athens. We returned with a powerful reminder that accessibility is not a niche topic or a technical checklist - it is the very essence of authentic hospitality and the cornerstone of creating exceptional event experiences for all delegates.

Here are the key insights that are now our blueprint for action as we continue to develop Athens as a leading MICE and leisure destination.

#1. The Human Touch is Paramount: People Over Infrastructure

While ramps, lifts, and accessible rooms are the visible hardware of accessibility, the summit
powerfully reinforced a message championed by experts from ENAT (European Network for Accessible Tourism): the human element is the software that makes it all work.

The two most critical factors in a successful and dignified delegate journey are:

Personalized, Accurate Information: Knowing what to expect before, during, and after travel is crucial. With studies like the MMGY Travel Intelligence Survey showing that 84% of travelers with disabilities face challenges during transport, the need for clear, reliable, and easily accessible information is paramount.

Continuous Staff Training: A well-trained team—from hotel receptionists to venue staff and volunteers—that is confident, empathetic, and knowledgeable can transform a delegate's and visitors' experience from stressful to seamless.

This people-first approach is the foundation upon which a truly welcoming destination is built.

#2. A Systemic, City-Wide Vision is Essential

A key theme was that isolated efforts are not enough. True accessibility is a collective endeavor that must be woven into the very fabric of a city's strategy. We were inspired by the comprehensive, long-term action we're seeing across Europe:
 

• Ljubljana has adopted the “Ljubljana. Accessible to all” action plan, integrating accessibility across all sectors, from transport and culture to social care.
• Valencia is implementing a dedicated three-year Accessible Tourism Plan (2025-2028).
• Portugal has adopted a national standard (ISO 21902) to ensure consistent accessibility requirements across all tourism services.
• The Piemonte Region in Italy is making a significant investment in accessible tourism projects.
   

These examples reinforce our belief that positioning Athens a premier accessible destination requires a holistic vision and a deep collaboration between public and private sectors.

#3. Accessibility is a Regenerative Force for All

Perhaps the most forward-thinking insight was the connection between accessibility and the growing movement of regenerative tourism. The goal is to leave a place better than we found it, and this philosophy must include social and cultural regeneration.

"When we invest in accessibility, we’re not just catering to visitors; we’re enhancing the quality of life and inclusivity for our own citizens. An accessible metro station, clear signage, or a barrier-free cultural site benefits everyone. The program in Belfast, co-designed by people with disabilities, stands as a shining example of this inclusive, 'for us, by us' approach. It creates a destination that is not only more welcoming to visitors but also fundamentally better for its residents."

Our Commitment to an Accessible Athens

It was a great source of pride to see the global conversation being shaped by leading Greek academics such as the renowned Professor Dimitrios Buhalis of Bournemouth University, whose work continues to influence the future of our industry.

Inspired by these global leaders and best practices, This is Athens is dedicated to working with all our city partners to build a more inclusive MICE destination. These insights are our blueprint for action. We are committed to fostering an environment where every delegate feels not just accommodated, but truly welcome.
Let's build the future of events together, a future that is open to all.
For more information on our international activities and to see where the This is Athens CVB team is heading next, we invite you to visit our Meet Us Events Page.

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