Accessibility for all in Tourism

The ACCES4ALL project, which is coordinated by Manuela Rosa, a researcher at the Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs) at the University of Algarve, reinforces the social dimension of sustainability by looking at equal access to goods and services, thus guaranteeing the right of active participation to all citizens.

This project is co-funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology, CRESC Algarve 2020, Norte 2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund. Its main objective is to develop a pilot study of an accessible, intelligent, sustainable bus stop, which will be located at Faro International Airport.

As the researcher explains, “Focus was placed on a universal design, based on the theory of designing spaces and infrastructures that are usable by the greatest number of people possible.”

The goal is to make life easier for everyone, regardless of their age, stature or capacities, ensuring that products, communications and the built environment can be used by as many people as possible at a low cost, or at least no extra cost. This is so that everybody, and not just those with special needs, however temporary, can integrate fully into an inclusive society.

As the researcher explains, “To provide inclusive accessibility at bus stops, we must consider urban aspects, such as the appropriate height of the waiting platform near the entrance to the vehicle, transport corridors that are free of physical obstructions, specific materials used on floors (non-slip and non-skid floors), furniture that is adapted to the urban area (seats with armrests and backs) and accessible information provided to everyone, enhanced with panels containing information about bus arrivals in real time, QuickResponse – QR codes, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and interactive panels with timetable information, as well as information about restaurants, events, etc.” Ideally, explains Manuela Rosa, “Buses should have low floors and a kneeling system to allow the bus floor to line up with the stop platform.”

As the researcher explains, “If buses do not kneel, stops should be over-elevated to facilitate independent boarding by wheelchair users, as well as by parents with prams and tourists with trolleys.” When it comes to shelters, “they must also have a distinctive colour so as to be visible by those with a vision impairment and be illuminated using photovoltaic panels.” Both the interior and surroundings of the bus stop should be “spaces free of obstacles.”

Thanks to the collaboration of Civil Engineering and Tourism undergraduate students, “the implementation of this project may trigger a greater use of public transport by tourists, contributing to sustainable tourism and inclusive mobility,” concludes the researcher.

This project is aligned with Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda, by contributing to inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities, which provide access to transport systems and public spaces, with particular attention paid to women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly. It also falls under Goal 10, “Reducing inequalities”, by guaranteeing equal opportunities in access to transport.

Manuela Rosa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, a Master’s in Architectural and Landscape Heritage Recovery, a PhD in Spatial Planning and Environmental Strategies and is a researcher for the Centre for Research in Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being