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“A truly civil country has to grant full accessibility to all its facilities, both public and private, to all of its citizens. All the more so for a sector such as tourism, in which Italy stands out, thanks to its excellencies in all fields. There are millions of Italians having special movement and stay needs: senior citizens, disabled people, parents with small children. This is the reason why we want to encourage the adoption of measures to improve the accessibility of Italian tourist facilities, with a view to encourage the creation of spaces that are really ‘for everyone’”
On October 9, 2009, during the XXVI annual ANCI meeting in Turin, the Minister of Tourism, Michela Vittoria Brambilla, presented the ‘<media 75109>Manifesto for the Promotion of Accessible Tourism</media>’, an important document in ten points, highlighting the desire to encourage quality tourism focusing on the care for customers and all their needs. After the presentation of the Manifesto, on February 19, 2010, during the BIT (International Tourism Exchange) in Milan, Emiliano Floris, the mayor of Cagliari, delegated by ANCI (National Italian Municipality Association) for tourist matters, received the Manifesto Implementation Document
Accessible tourism
Over the course of the last century tourism has become a primary social need. Not only is it an extraordinarily important economic factor, but it is also a means to increase knowledge and personal development. For all these reasons today it is essential to grant access to tourist experiences to all citizens, regardless their personal, social, economic and any other condition, that could limit such experiences. The committee “for the promotion and the encouragement of Accessible Tourism” was created in response to the demand of focusing the whole tourism system on each person and his needs. Accessible tourism is the highest expression of such a civilized goal, as well as being an undeniable - modern and fashionable - attractive to revamp the image of Italian tourism in the world. Accessibility, i.e. the absence of all architectural, cultural and sensory barriers, is the essential requirement to allow everyone to enjoy Italian heritage. The principle promoted by the Committee’s action is simple and very clear: individuals in their entirety and with their needs, are citizens and customers having the right to experience tourist offers completely and autonomously, receiving suitable services according to the price they pay. This inspiring principle must be extended to the whole - national and local - tourism network, from the transport system to accomodations, from restaurants to culture, sports, leisure time, etc… The Committee consists of representatives of organizations, institutions and associations protecting disabled people and people with special needs, and of representatives of the tourism entrepreneurs: the ideal mix to be able to discuss and agree a common route which will finally open all doors to these customers.
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