Accessible Tourism in Greece Dr. Dimitris Koutoulas Tourism & - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

• Dr. Dimitris Koutoulas

Tourism & Hospitality Marketing Consultant Assistant Professor of Tourism & Hospitality Management University of Patras Email: dimitris@koutoulas.com

Accessible Tourism in Greece

Accessibility is about respect and caring Accessible means inclusive Accessible means barrier-free access to a range of fun experiences, from visitor attractions to outdoor activities Accessible means respecting the individuality of guests in regard to: age and life cycle health mobility special dietary needs

Greece can be a very inhospitable place for people needing accessible travel…

A turning point: The 2004 Olympic Games A symbolic milestone: The Acropolis New mindset towards accessible travel Better infrastructure New museums such as the Acropolis Museum are barrier-free Accessible businesses such as hotels and

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An increasing number of beaches are becoming accessible ▶

The way forward Knowing the needs of special travel segments Setting clear standards EVERYWHERE: from infrastructure and museums to hospitality businesses and activity providers Enforcing standards and legislation Training entrepreneurs and staff Utilising technology In short: Being professional!

Adding the Greek spirit to accessible travel We have got a centuries-old tradition of hospitality We have got healing techniques from ancient times Greece is a place conducive to wellbeing because of… the climate the scenery the food the tradition of caring the well-trained professionals Do we have the ambition?

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The way forward Setting clear

The market is there, too large to be ignored

• Dr. Dimitris Koutoulas

Tourism & Hospitality Marketing Consultant Assistant Professor of Tourism & Hospitality Management University of Patras Email: dimitris@koutoulas.com

Thanks for listening!