Federico Pedini Amati, San Marino’s Tourism Minister, took audience at ATTIC on an insightful trip to show how cities could be made accessible and inclusive
San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is proving that even historic and geographically complex cities can become models of accessibility and inclusion. Despite its hilly terrain and centuries old architecture, the city has implemented thoughtful solutions to improve physical accessibility, ranging from accessible public pathways and ramps to inclusive tourist experiences.
As the country continues to enhance its infrastructure, policies, and public awareness, it offers powerful example of how heritage-rich destinations can evolve to meet the needs of all people, including those with disabilities, without compromising their cultural integrity. In collaboration with the United Nations and other international bodies, San Marino has spearheaded declarations and action agendas that promote universal design and accessibility.
While the physical limitations of its historic center presentchallenges, the country has showcased solutions that reconcile heritage preservation with accessibility.
San Marino Action Agenda for Accessible Tourism 2030
Developed with UN Tourism, this agenda establishes commitments for the public and private sectors to advance accessibility. It promotes universal design and data-driven improvements across the tourism value chain. San Marino partners with the European Accessibility Resource Centre, which has produced reports highlighting good practices for inclusive tourism from various countries. Leverage technology and innovation Digital information: San Marino uses digital tools to provide objective accessibility information, allowing visitors to assess offerings based on their personal needs. This helps to improve the overall quality of hospitality.
Accessible virtual tours: Efforts are underway to create virtual tourism itineraries, making it possible for people with disabilities to experience destinations remotely. Compendium of best practices: In partnership with UN Tourism San Marino published a
compilation of successful accessibility initiatives from around the world. Promote inclusion through international cooperation
International conferences on accessible tourism: As the only UN Tourism member state to host two International Conferences on Accessible Tourism, San Marino has positioned itself as a global leader and a hub for accessible events. Policy roundtables: San Marino has hosted ministerial roundtables to bring together governments and experts from multiple countries to discuss policies and strategies for accessible tourism.
The San Marino Action Agenda
The Government of the Republic of San Marino, the Ministry of Tourism of Italy and other Member States of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), representatives of destinations, the private sector, educational institutions, intergovernmental bodies,
accessibility experts and leading civil society organizations representing persons with disability, met on the occasion of the UNWTO International Conference on Accessible Tourism: Advancing accessibility for destinations, companies and people on 16 and 17 November 2023.
The signatories agree to undertake the following commitments under the “San Marino Action Agenda on Accessible Tourism 2030", as a catalyst for change towards disability inclusion and tourism for all, reflecting the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The objectives:
Raise awareness of the social and economic advantages of accessible tourism. It creates equal opportunities for all and is a business opportunity for destinations. Apply Universal Design and international standards. People cross borders to travel and need
to understand the characteristics of services being booked, worldwide. Prioritise accessibility interventions, even in the case of scarce resources. Train your personnel, starting from the managers and decision-makers. Incentivize entrepreneurship and a business ecosystem that offers accessible services. Inclusive destinations are more resilient and there is no sustainability without accessibility.
Advance labour inclusion of persons with disability. Destination authorities and companies that embrace accessibility are also well placed to diversify their workforce.
Agenda for Public sector
Embrace accessibility as an opportunity instead of a challenge.
Research visitors’ behavior, expenditure patterns and feedback on access improvements.
Qualitative and quantitative data reveal what people need and what needs to be done.
Adopt laws, policies and standards which enhance people's comfort, safety and life quality.
Accessible tourism is good for everyone, both for visitors and locals.
Implement strategies that ensure new revenue streams and customers’ loyalty. Increased accessibility brings along competitive advantages for countries and destinations.
Ensure accessibility criteria among tourism businesses bidding for public tenders or funding.
Promote good practices through tourism stakeholder networks and the monitoring of progress based on key performance indicators. Communicate specific achievements to UNWTO to spread the word.
Private Sector
Upgrade accessible products and align key players on marketing, commercial strategies and platforms. There are many accessible offerings that fail to reach the target customers.
Diversify accessibility offerings and enable everyone to enjoy the beauty of travel. By innovating in accommodation, leisure and MICE services, you will reach new markets and attain a higher degree of service quality.
Innovate in transportation, information communication technologies and the digital agenda. They are key in enabling potential clients to book and enjoy accessible experiences.
Invest in accessibility advancements, step by step. Monitor how your business results, your brand reputation and your customers' feedback improve.
Different mandates
Organisers and strategic partners were given different mandates:
Position San Marino as one of the hubs to host accessible events as from 2023 and raise awareness on accessibility solutions. By networking with other destinations and investing in accessibility, this commitment can be upheld by both public and private stakeholders.
Keep upgrading accessibility to cultural heritage, while enhancing better access within the entire tourism value chain. Isolated actions do not improve overall tourism experience.
Co-create with adjacent Italian regions new accessible tourism experiences through thematic itineraries. Routes bring prosperity to rural and urban areas and their host communities.
UNWTO world Tourism Organisation
Promote the San Marino Action Agenda as a roadmap on Accessible Tourism. Issue a Compendium of Best Practices in Accessible Tourism showcased at the Conference, in collaboration with San Marino, AccessibleEU and ENAT.
Work closely with national tourism administrations and undertake a survey on their legislation and policies. They require assistance in elaborating and, implementing policies, strategies and measurement methodologies, to mainstream accessibility.
Publish research, guidelines and success stories. Focus on accessibility in culture and nature- based tourism, digital solutions, and initiatives taken by tourism administrations and companies.
Resume in 2025 the international recognition “Accessible Tourism Destination” (ATD). Shed light on outstanding projects implemented by mature and emerging destinations in urban or rural settings.
Sensitize the sector on the benefits of diverse workplaces, inclusive of persons with disabilities
European Accessibility Resource Centre – AccessibleEU and European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT)
Compile and promote research and good practices targeting tourism professionals. Our sector requires specific tools for a correct implementation of access improvements.
Ensure accessibility of new digital tools from the design phase. New immersive experiences bring about a major promise to enjoy tourism, leisure, culture and nature, but they must be accessible.
Insist on Universal Design not only among tourism service providers. Talking to manufacturing industries key to tourism supply chain is key to having an access-friendly travel experience.
Collaborate with educational institutions to introduce accessibility. It needs to be a crosscutting element within the training cycle of any professional working within the tourism value chain.
Setting roadmap on Accessible Tourism
UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has suggested the following strategy as part of Agenda 2030 to promote accessible tourism among culture-focused destinations such as San Marino.
Promote the San Marino Action Agenda as a roadmap on Accessible Tourism. Issue a Compendium of Best Practices in Accessible Tourism showcased at the Conference, in collaboration with San Marino, AccessibleEU and ENAT.
Work closely with national tourism administrations and undertake a survey on their legislation and policies. They require assistance in elaborating and, implementing policies, strategies and measurement methodologies, to mainstream accessibility.
Publish research, guidelines and success stories. Focus on accessibility in culture and nature-based tourism, digital solutions, and initiatives taken by tourism administrations and companies.
Resume the international recognition “Accessible Tourism Destination” (ATD). Shed light on outstanding projects implemented by mature and emerging destinations in urban or rural settings.
Sensitize the sector on the benefits of diverse workplaces, inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Source: Limitless Newsletter
