World Disability Union and UN Tourism

Explore Cooperation to Advance Accessible Tourism in Sharjah

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates — The World Disability Union (WDU) held a meeting with UN Tourism during the International Tourism Forum in Sharjah, organized under the auspices of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The meeting focused on advancing accessible tourism for persons with disabilities and exploring opportunities for future cooperation to make travel and tourism more inclusive, accessible, and convenient for all.

The meeting brought together H.E Heidar Talleb, Secretary-General of the World Disability Union, and Mr. Igor Stefanovic, Technical Coordinator of the Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department at UN Tourism, to discuss practical approaches to improving accessibility throughout the tourism sector.

WDU Presents Its Global Accessible Places Certification Programme

During the meeting, H.E. Haidar Talib highlighted the World Disability Union’s efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion through its international certification programme for accessible places. The programme aims to recognize and encourage facilities that meet accessibility requirements, including hotels, airports, transportation facilities, and other tourism-related establishments.

H.E. Talib explained that accessible infrastructure and services are essential to enabling persons with disabilities to travel independently, comfortably, and with dignity. He emphasized the importance of encouraging tourism operators and service providers to improve their facilities and services, helping ensure that accessibility becomes an integral part of the visitor experience.

Founded in 2011, the World Disability Union has developed an international network comprising more than 400 affiliated entities across 91 countries, according to its official website. Through its global activities, the Union works to advance disability rights, promote universal accessibility, and support the development of more inclusive environments in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

UN Tourism Highlights Opportunities for Future Collaboration

Mr. Igor Stefanovic welcomed the discussion on accessible tourism and explored the potential for future cooperation between UN Tourism and the World Disability Union. The discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration and identifying practical initiatives that can make tourism destinations, facilities, and services more accessible to persons with disabilities.

UN Tourism has consistently highlighted accessibility as a fundamental component of responsible and sustainable tourism. Its work in this field promotes improved access to tourism infrastructure, transportation, information, and services, while encouraging tourism stakeholders to consider the diverse needs of visitors. Its recommendations on accessible tourism also provide guidance for destinations and businesses seeking to improve accessibility throughout the tourism value chain.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on how the expertise and international reach of both organizations could contribute to advancing accessible tourism. Potential areas for future collaboration include promoting accessibility standards, raising awareness among tourism operators, encouraging the development of accessible facilities, and supporting initiatives that enable persons with disabilities to enjoy tourism experiences on an equal basis with others.

Making Tourism More Inclusive for Everyone

Accessible tourism extends beyond the provision of ramps or wheelchair-accessible facilities. It encompasses the entire travel experience, including transportation, accommodation, public spaces, tourist attractions, communication, and access to reliable information. Ensuring accessibility across these elements is essential to allowing persons with different disabilities to participate fully in tourism and cultural activities.

Cooperation between international organizations, tourism authorities, hospitality providers, transport operators, and disability organizations can play an important role in identifying barriers and developing practical solutions. International certification programmes can also help raise awareness of accessibility requirements and encourage tourism businesses to demonstrate their commitment to inclusive services.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The meeting in Sharjah represents a constructive step in the dialogue between the World Disability Union and UN Tourism on the future of accessible tourism. By exploring opportunities for cooperation, both organizations can contribute to a broader international effort to remove barriers, promote universal accessibility, and improve tourism experiences for persons with disabilities.

The World Disability Union reaffirmed the importance of continuing to engage with international partners and tourism stakeholders to advance accessibility and inclusion. The discussion also underscored the value of bringing together international expertise and practical certification initiatives to help tourism destinations become more welcoming and accessible.

The shared objective is clear: to help build a tourism sector in which accessibility is recognized as an essential element of quality, sustainability, and equal opportunity, enabling persons with disabilities to travel, explore, and experience the world with greater independence and confidence.