European Commission: New strategy for stimulating tourism in Europe

The commission’s tourism development plan features 21 proposals, many aimed at attracting more visitors to Europe from fast-developing countries like China, Russia and Brazil. But it also spells out ways to increase travel within the EU, including greater coordination of school holidays to lengthen the holiday season.

The commission is proposing a label scheme to give recognition to high-quality services. It also plans to establish a charter with criteria for sustainable tourism and award a prize to destinations that meet them. To promote travel and tourism, it will encourage better use of technology – including centralised booking services accessible via mobile phone – and more theme-based tourism (spas, gastronomic excursions, sports vacations, etc.)

The EU also has to put more effort into making tourist sites accessible to people with reduced mobility, along with adjusting services to an older clientele.

Source: European Commission News; find full article here>>.

USA: DOT extends ADA protections to maritime passengers

As the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act approaches -- July 26 -- the Department of Transportation announced the first federal rule to specifically provide ADA protections to people with disabilities who travel on boats and ships. The rule covers vessels, like public ferry systems, operated by public entities. It also covers vessels, like cruise ships, operated by private entities primarily for transporting people.

First and foremost, its purpose is to make sure that boat and ship operators don't deny access to passengers based on their disability and that those passengers, once aboard, are treated fairly.

According to the new rule, passengers with disabilities cannot be charged extra for accessibility-related services and are not required to furnish their own attendants. It requires boat and ship operators to inform passengers of vessel accessibility and services, and it requires operators to have a knowledgeable person available to help passengers with disabilities resolve their concerns.

The new rule will become effective 120 days after it is published. There will be a 90-day comment period concerning three issues: whether vessel operators should be required to allow passengers with disabilities to bring emotional support animals on board, requirements operators must follow concerning the use of mobility aids, and the relationship of DOT and DOJ disability rules. The rule is available at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2007-26829.

Source: DOT announcement of June 17, 2010. Full text available here>>.

Canada: free addtional seat for disabled, obese passengers

Upon decision of Canadian Supreme Court, refusing to consider the carriers' appeal of a federal order, Canada's two largest airlines have to give disabled and morbidly obese passengers an extra free seat on domestic flights. The Supreme Court, by convention, gave no reason for the refusal to intervene in the case.

Source: canada.com; find article here>>.

Austria: Supreme court decision on obligation to inform on hotel suitability for disabled travelers

When booking the package tour wheelchairbound plaintiff was informed that the chosen hotel was not equipped for disabled persons. Upon arrival she was assigned a ground floor room, but, however had to transcend two steps, there was one more step inside the room and again two steps to get on the terrace. There was no problem to enter the bathroom. Plaintiff needed staff support to enter or leave her room.
Back from the journey she claimed for price reduction and compensation for loss of holiday enjoyment, stating she had not suffciently been informed about specific lacking wheelchair accessability.
Austrian Supreme Court (OGH) confirmed the lower instances' view that the general information "hotel not equipped for disabled persons" was sufficient and tour operator had no further obligation to inform without specificly being asked. The claim was therefore dismissed.

Full text of decison 6 Ob 273/07a of 12.12.2007 available in German here>>.