The strategic role of vocational training

The tourism industry is facing the worst period of the last 30 years. Even if we had a brief positive trend during the summer with some good business for some Italian destinations we know that it will be months before the emergency is over and tourism will be able to re-start and produce income.

How can we stay positive and confident using this time to create new opportunities?

We should promote Vocational Training for hotels to improve the accessibility level and the quality services’ of our country.

In fact, a recent study on Transport and tourism for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility in EU countries published by the European Parliament in 2018, did show a strong lack of accessibility in the Italian tourism chain, especially regarding the hospitality industry and the transport system.

This means that we should invest time and money NOW in training staff that work in hotels, restaurants or transport companies and prepare them to welcome future visitors with special needs correctly.

In co-operation with C.E.R.P.A Italia Onlus, the Italian National Association for the Research and Promotion of Accessibility, we have developed a new project, an online Vocational Training Course that wants to fill this gap making our country an Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Destination.

The course will be held by several experts and will offer a global view on the topic of Accessible and Inclusive Travel.

We have to be strong, patient and open to new experiences, making the best of this dark period to be ready to start afresh with improved skills to welcome our guests that are free to travel again!

* The relevant qualitatively assessed accessibility status of each Member State and the EU is graphically depicted below.