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"Accessible tourism" to become theme for 2016 World Tourism Day: UNWTO

Xinhua, September 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) confirmed on Tuesday that "accessible tourism" would become this year's theme for World Tourism Day on Sept. 27.

UNTWO highlighted in a press release from its head office here, that World Tourism Day had long aimed "to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic impact."

"Everyone has the right to access leisure and tourism services on an equal basis. Yet, one billion people around the world living with disability, along with young children, seniors and persons with other access requirements, still face obstacles in accessing fundamentals of travel," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a message.

That message was reflected by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai who commented that everyone had "the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer."

"Therefore, it is highly important that all countries and destinations, as well as the industry, promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels," Rifai added.

World Tourism Day will be held in the Thai capital of Bangkok and among the events will be a conference including a discussion allowing experts to swap views on how best to advance a "tourism for all" agenda.

UNWTO explained the conference would also look at "innovative strategies in the development of accessible tourism infrastructure, products and services," which can give added value and competitiveness to tourist destinations by widening their markets. Endit