Charles-Etienne Bélanger
Director, International Social Tourism Organisation
Malta, 16th November 2012
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Social Tourism : concept and realities
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Tourism for people with disabilities
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The role of ISTO and the STEEP project
Recognition of Social Tourism
“Everyone has the right to rest and leisure,
including reasonable limitation of working
hours and periodic holidays with pay”.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
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“The prospect of direct and personal access to the discovery
and enjoyment of the planet’s resources constitutes a right
equally open to all the world’s inhabitants.
Social tourism, and in particular associative tourism, which
facilitates widespread access to leisure, travel and holidays,
should be developed with the public authorities.
Family, youth, student and senior tourism and tourism for
people with disabilities, should be encouraged and
facilitated.”
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (1999)
Social Tourism definition, assets and criteria
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Shaper of Society
Promoter of economic growth
Participation in regional
& economic Development
Partner in global development
programs
Montreal Declaration, Towards a
Humanist and Social Vision of Tourism
ISTO (1996)
Three conditions for Social Tourism
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Real life circumstances are such that it is totally or partially
impossible to fully exercise the right to tourism.
Someone – be it a public or private institution, a company, a
trade union, or simply an organised group of people – decides to
take action to overcome or reduce the obstacles which prevents
a person from exercising their right to tourism.
The action is effective and actually helps a group of people to
participate in tourism in a manner which respects the values of
sustainability, accessibility and solidarity.
Barcelona Declaration, European and Economic Social Committee (2006)
Several initiatives
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Holiday Vouchers
- REKA (Switzerland)
- ANCV (France)
- ABVI (Italy)
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Senior Holiday Programme – IMSERSO (Spain)
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Holiday Participation Centre - Tourist Office for Flanders (Belgium)
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Social Tourism Grant Programs – NFR (Hungary)
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Europe Senior Tourism – SEGITTUR (Spain)
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Youth hostel movement -IYHF (Worldwide)
What is the situation of the Europeans who (do not) go on holiday ?
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72% of the European citizens travelled in 2011
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58 % go on holidays (4 consecutive nights outside of their home)
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45% do not go on holiday for financial reasons
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56% who went on holiday in 2011 stayed in their own country, 44% went to
another EU country and just 22% said they had holiday in another country
outside the EU
(Source: Flash Euro barometer, N° 328, 334, Attitudes of
Europeans Towards Tourism)
Why improving tourism accessibility across Europe ?
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Tourism destinations in Europe are facing increasing
global competition in terms of price and quality.
The demographic ageing of western industrial countries
demands appropriate changes in the tourism sector.
The rights of persons with disabilities to equal participation in
society are being strengthened through the world.
Tourism destinations in Europe are facing increasing
global competition in terms of price and quality
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Improving accessibility can be a way to enhance the overall quality
of tourism.
Better accessibility can broaden the customer base, opening up
destinations and attractions to more visitors.
The demographic ageing of western industrial countries
demands appropriate changes in the tourism sector
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In order to anticipate and meet the demands of this market
evolution, tourism providers must address accessibility for older and
disabled tourists as a primary strategic concern.
It is estimated that as many as 130 million people in Europe alone
will benefit from improved access to travel and tourism services.
The rights of persons with disabilities to equal participation in
society are being strengthened through the world
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It will inevitably bring increased demand for accessible
tourism offerings and it will necessitate changes in tourism
products and services.
The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (2006) and recent initiatives at European is driving
forward an equal access agenda, based on the principles of nondiscrimination of persons with disabilities.
Initiatives at EU and International level
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Call for tenders for a Study on the economic impact and travel
patterns of accessible tourism in Europe.
Call for proposals in the framework of the Preparatory Action
“Tourism and Accessibility for All”.
World Summit in October 2014
Montreal, Canada.
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Mission
• Promote better access to leisure, holidays and tourism for all
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Priorities
• Raise awareness among governments, international institutions
• Become a true platform for exchange and services for the members
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Members
• 150 members in 35 countries
• Operators, NTOs, Regional Authorities, Universities, Trade Unions
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Network of Local and Regional Authorities
• Stimulation of partnerships and exchanges of best practices
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Trade Union Task Force
• Strengthen the synergy between trade unions active in the
sector
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Alliance for Training and Research in Social and Solidarity
Tourism
• Support the activities of ISTO with analyses, studies and research
What is STEEP ?
Social Tourism European Exchanges Platform
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a web-based platform linking supply and demand (B2B)
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for accommodation and tourism services
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to facilitate transnational tourism across Europe
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for 4 population groups: youth, families facing difficult
circumstances, seniors and people with disabilities
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especially during the low season
STEEP - Who can take part in the platform ?
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Service providers
• Accommodation providers (holiday villages, residential hotels, youth
hostels, camp sites,..)
• Other tourism services providers (transport, catering, culture, leisure)
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Intermediary organisations
• Associations and federations of youth, seniors/retired workers, people
with disabilities, families facing special circumstances, state and local
governments and social structures.
STEEP - What are the conditions ?
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Sign a Charter
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Commitment to social tourism values
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Respect the legal and social norms
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Respect accessibility and sustainability principles
What does the eCalypso web platform look like?
What does the e Calypso web platform look like?
STEEP – Who carries out the project ?
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ISTO and 6 partners
15 months project funded at 75% by EU
Challenge : to be economically self-sustained
‣ Although the democratization of travel and tourism has allowed
millions of people to enjoy their holidays, tourism is still not enough
inclusive in Europe and in many other parts of the world.
‣ With the crisis, the holiday departure rate has decreased over the last
few years.
‣ It is time more than ever to work closely and to have a stronger lobby
to develop a more sustainable and fair tourism for all.
Thank you for your attention !
www.oits-isto.org