Tourism For The Disabled Under Review

Tourism Minister Kostas Markopoulos recently met with representatives from the Panhellenic Association of the Blind, the Panhellenic Association of Kidney Transplants, the Panhellenic Union of Paraplegics and Physically Challenged and the National Confederation of Disabled People and was informed of the difficulties the disabled come across in regards to tourism services.

According to the representatives of the associations, problems relate mainly to the accessibility of accommodation areas, recreational areas and Greek beaches.

Mr. Markopoulos announced his plans to directly promote a series of actions to serve the disabled in terms of accessibility, such as the construction or maintenance of access ramps on beaches.

The tourism minister also said that the ministry would offer financial support to the National Confederation of Disabled People for the English-language translation of a special list of accessible spots for people with disabilities in Greece.

In May the National Confederation of Disabled People sent a letter of protest to all involved ministers and expressed its indignation that people with disabilities are deprived of free enjoyment of tourism and leisure as the necessary measures to ensure their access to the Greek beaches once again have not been implemented.