The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has produced a comprehensive online database for ‘Barrier Free’ (accessible) travel, the first of its kind to include a national labelling and “Accessibility checked” seal. Entitled “Travel for All”, the database enables users to search for a wide range of accessible holiday facilities throughout Germany including accommodation, restaurants, activities, shopping centres and essential information such as accessible travel and local tourism offices. It includes an online map, and links directly to each supplier and their relevant certification. The “Travel for All”, project has been funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; it was developed by the German Seminar for Tourism (DSFT), in co-operation with the Tourism for All Germany (NatKo) organisation, co-ordinated with a wide variety of tourism partners.
Detailed information about Barrier Free travel offers in Germany can be accessed via: www.germany.travel
Chief Executive Officer of GNTB’s board of directors, Petra Hedorfer, said: “Barrier Free tourism services are indispensable for about 10% of visitors to Germany. Our new database includes over 1,500 fully certified Barrier-Free facilities and service providers and this information will be expanded on an ongoing basis” adding: “The database is highly useful for both consumers and tour operators. It is an aid not only to travel planning but also researching activities or accommodation, from a trusted source that provides up to date information from certified partners in Barrier-Free travel”.
Each company included in the database is documented by trained researchers and evaluated with clear quality criteria. Detailed information on the accessibility of each listed entry can be viewed by the guests – providing more transparency and reliability – and which bears the “Accessibility Checked” seal.
Accessible travel for all is a key requirement for the tourism industry in the 21st century and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is continuing to meet this requirement and to expand its accessible tourism offers and services in Germany.
