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Greek Hotels Open their Doors to Accessible Tourism
Posted On 03 Dec 2019
Greek hoteliers have announced that they will show extra attention to the rights of tourists with disabilities and special needs, in order for them to spend unforgettable holidays in Greece.
On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3, the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers and the non-profit organization “Me Alla Matia” (With Other Eyes in English) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to promote accessible tourism in Greece.
The aim of the cooperation is to form more inclusive environments in Greece for people with disabilities and their families – environments that will focus on their needs while they are on holiday in the country and improve the conditions of their stay at hotels.
(center) Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers President Grigoris Tasios with the president of the “Me Alla Matia” organization, Vaggelis Avgoulas.
“Greek hoteliers are once again showing their sensitivity and embracing all tourists, without excluding anyone,” the federation’s president, Grigoris Tasios, said.
According to the memorandum, the “Me Alla Matia” organization will act as the federation’s expert adviser on legal and technical matters involving tourists with disabilities and special needs.
“The hotel federation will contribute to the social dialogue with the State and stakeholders by making concrete proposals for tourism for vulnerable groups,” Tasios added.
Wheelchair ramp.
On his part, the president of “Me Alla Matia”, Vaggelis Avgoulas, underlined that the organization every day receives messages from people with disabilities from abroad who request recommendations regarding their stay in Greece.
“We hope by the summer of 2020 to be able to provide them with specific guidance and to begin to see accessible tourism taking important steps forward,” Avgoulas said.
“Me Alla Matia” provides a unique in Greece accessible online information portal and develops actions throughout the country aiming to raise awareness among the general public in regards to the concept of disability.
I am currently staying at the Oceanis beach hotel in Rhodes and there are No Disabled Toilets in the hotel, my husband either has to take me in the ladies toilets or take me back to my room which is on the 5th floor despite asking for ground floor as I am in a wheelchair. Also cannot access the beach so not getting the full benifit of my holiday despite paying the same as everyone else.