Greece, a beautiful country surrounded by the crystal-clear blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, has long been a favorite destination for travelers around the world. Its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make it an ideal place to visit for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment.
However, until recently, Greece has not been as accessible to travelers with mobility challenges, including those in wheelchairs and the elderly. Many of its beaches, which are a major attraction for tourists, are not wheelchair-friendly, making it difficult for people with disabilities to access the sea.
Fortunately, Greece has recently taken steps to address this issue by pledging to make hundreds of its beaches accessible to those with mobility challenges. The country plans to install remote-operated ramps at 287 of its beaches to make them wheelchair-friendly, as well as to improve parking areas, bathroom and changing facilities, and other infrastructure.
The Seatrac system, which is designed by the Greek company Seatrac, is a major component of this effort. It is an automatic ramp that transports people with mobility issues right up to or into the water using a sliding chair. If someone is in a wheelchair, they can adjust the Seatrac chair to match the height of their own wheelchair and shift onto the Seatrac chair. Handrails are at the end of the track to help people get in and out of the water. At the starting point of the ramp is a shower, which can be turned on and off with the press of a button.
The Seatrac system is not only practical but also innovative. It allows individuals with mobility challenges to enter the water unassisted and experience the joy of swimming in the clear blue waters of Greece. A waterproof remote allows riders to control the chair without assistance, and use of the Seatrac system is free.
The Seatrac installation aligns with Greece's goal of becoming an inclusive tourist destination and is part of a €15 million project called the "Creation of Integrated Tourist Accessible Sea Destinations." The project seeks to make Greece a more accessible destination for travelers with disabilities, the elderly, and others with mobility challenges.
Greece's commitment to accessibility is not limited to its beaches. The government has also mandated that all ferries be disability-friendly, with designated parking spaces, areas for securing wheelchairs, and elevators or lifting devices where applicable. Accessibility has also been improved at top attractions such as the Acropolis, which now has a wheelchair-accessible elevator.
The improvements in accessibility are a significant step forward for Greece, which has faced criticism in the past for its lack of accessibility. Debra Kerper, an accessible travel specialist for Cruise Planners, visited the country when it was preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympics and Paralympics and found accessibility to be lacking, especially in the old city of Plaka. However, she applauds Greece for "working to improve their accessibility and universal design" for all types of visitors.
While the improvements in accessibility are a welcome development, they also highlight the challenges that travelers with disabilities face when it comes to travel. Accessible travel is a complex issue that involves not only infrastructure but also attitudes and perceptions.
Many people with disabilities have reported encountering barriers and discrimination when traveling, from inaccessible transportation to hotels and restaurants that are not accommodating. Some have even faced outright hostility or abuse. The lack of accessibility can make it difficult for people with disabilities to participate in travel, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
Accessible travel is not only a matter of fairness and social justice but also of economic benefit. According to the WorldTourism Organization, the accessible tourism market is a growing segment that represents a significant economic opportunity for destinations that can provide accessible infrastructure and services. By improving accessibility, destinations can tap into a market that is estimated to be worth billions of dollars worldwide.
Furthermore, accessible travel can also provide significant social and cultural benefits. Travel is not just about leisure; it is also about education and cultural exchange. By facilitating travel for people with disabilities, destinations can promote a more inclusive and diverse society, which can help break down barriers and promote understanding and empathy.
There are many challenges to making travel more accessible for people with disabilities. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of standardization and regulation in the industry. Unlike other industries, such as aviation, there are no global standards or regulations for accessibility in tourism. This can lead to inconsistencies in accessibility and a lack of clarity for travelers with disabilities.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness and training among tourism industry stakeholders. Many people who work in the tourism industry are not familiar with the needs and preferences of travelers with disabilities, which can lead to misunderstandings and suboptimal service.
To address these challenges, there have been efforts to develop global standards and guidelines for accessible tourism. The UN World Tourism Organization has developed a set of guidelines for accessible tourism, which provide recommendations for destinations and tourism stakeholders on how to improve accessibility. The guidelines cover a range of issues, from infrastructure and services to marketing and promotion.
There have also been efforts to raise awareness and provide training on accessible tourism. For example, the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) provides training and certification programs for tourism businesses and destinations that want to improve their accessibility. The organization also provides resources and support for travelers with disabilities.
Despite the challenges, there have been many success stories in accessible travel. Many destinations and businesses have made significant strides in improving accessibility, from building accessible infrastructure to providing specialized services for travelers with disabilities.
One example is the city of Melbourne, Australia, which has developed a comprehensive strategy for accessible tourism. The strategy includes measures such as providing accessible information and wayfinding, building accessible infrastructure, and training tourism stakeholders on accessible tourism. As a result of these efforts, Melbourne has become a leading destination for accessible tourism, attracting thousands of travelers with disabilities each year.
Another example is the hotel industry, which has made significant investments in accessible infrastructure and services. Many hotels now offer accessible rooms and facilities, such as roll-in showers, grab bars, and ramps. Some hotels have even developed specialized programs for travelers with disabilities, such as accessible adventure tours and sports programs.
Accessible travel is an issue that affects millions of people around the world. By improving accessibility, destinations can tap into a growing market and promote a more inclusive and diverse society. However, achieving accessibility in tourism requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, from governments to tourism businesses to travelers themselves.