UN Tourism Advances Accessibility with focus on Ukraine

UN Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility, advancing national strategies while also highlighting the achievements of Ukrainian destinations to become more inclusive.

Event:
UN Tourism, together with Ukraine’s State Agency for Tourism Development, hosted the International Webinar on Accessible Tourism for All: Focus on Ukraine.

Participants:
Experts from the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), Spain, Portugal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina joined.

Key Themes:
- Accessibility as both a fundamental right and a major economic opportunity.
- Strategies to expand market outreach and reduce seasonality.
- Importance of universal design, inclusive built environments, and accessible tourism services.

Ukraine’s Progress:
- National Implementation Action Plan (2025).
- National Strategy for a Barrier-Free Environment – Horizon 2030.
- Success stories: the city of Lviv and Etnochary Ceramics of Podillia.

Challenges:
Making creative industries, heritage sites, natural settings, transportation, and public services more inclusive.

Quotes:
- Zoritsa Urosevic (UN Tourism Executive Director): “Accessibility is not about them and us; it’s about all people. Tourism should be for everyone.”
- Natalya Tabaka (Head of SATD Ukraine): “We strive to ensure that people with disabilities in our country feel equal… and have access to everything, everywhere.”

UN Tourism Milestones:
- 2021 ISO Standard on Accessible Tourism for All.
- 2023 San Marino Action Agenda.
- Upcoming survey of Member States on accessibility.

✨ In short, this initiative highlights Ukraine’s efforts to align with global accessibility standards while showcasing local success stories and addressing ongoing challenges.