WTM London, part of the RX Global portfolio, is pleased to announce a landmark agreement with the Spanish Tourist Office, as its first ever accessibility partner.
Together, the organisations are committed to pushing the conversation on accessible travel from awareness to collaboration, practical action and measurable change.
During WTM, a press conference will introduce Spain’s new campaign ‘Spain; a country for all’, as well as showcase progress made by its Spain for All advisory panel on accessibility, created to help build a roadmap for industry-wide action. The launch of a new award and greater accessibility help around the show will be among other tangible results of the tie-up.
Spain for All was created by the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK as part of its drive to eliminate discrimination in the tourism sector and create a world-leading inclusive destination where everyone is able to experience the country’s rich culture, landscape and hospitality with autonomy, dignity and confidence.
Moving forward, the initiative will sit under Spain’s new umbrella campaign entitled ‘Spain; a country for all’ which aims to continue strengthening Spain’s reputation as a welcoming, innovative and accessible destination.
L-R: Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director, WTM London and Jose Manuel De Juan, UK Director of the Spanish Tourist Office
Central to Spain for All’s work is an accessibility advisory board which encourages knowledge sharing around improvements for the sector and promotes and celebrates good practice. The board comprises more than 20 experts and leaders from across the UK and Spanish travel industries, many with lived experience of disability.
By combining Spain’s ambition and expertise in accessible tourism with WTM London’s global reach and influence, the partnership seeks to inspire the wider industry to raise its standards. It aims to prove that a more inclusive travel sector delivers benefits for travellers, destinations and businesses alike.
Members of the Spain for All advisory board will take to the Headliner Stage on 4 November at 13:45PM as part of the panel Who Decides What’s Accessible? Reframing Travel Around Informed Choice, and play an active role in the WTM Leaders’ Summit.
A dedicated press conference at 3PM on Tuesday 3 November will showcase Spain’s latest campaign, key initiatives and outline a roadmap for industry-wide action.
A new WTM Contribution to Accessibility award will be presented in collaboration with the Spanish Tourist Office on the Headliner Stage ahead of the event’s closing keynote.
The partnership will extend across the show floor, with accessibility support built into the venue itself.
WTM will continue its commitment to governance on accessibility through a newly appointed steering group.
Already, WTM London has a number of accessibility measures in place. Conference sessions offer dedicated accessible seating areas and ramps to the stages. Closed captions are available on screen and Rozie AI can provide real-time transcripts and summaries.
Those who need a calming break from the show floor can use the WTM Reset Rooms behind both halls, while Accessibility Buddy Tours can help assist visitors around the show if required.
Chris Carter-Chapman, WTM London Event Director said: “We have long strived to embed inclusion across everything we do at WTM London, not only on an operational level but as part of our conference programming. We are delighted to take this further by welcoming our first accessibility partner.
“The Spanish Tourist Office has shown itself to be a leading light in accessibility awareness within our sector. By teaming up, we can take more practical steps to improve our own inclusivity and together we can encourage others to do the same in their own businesses and destinations.”
José Manuel de Juan González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office (UK), said: “In Spain, we place great importance on creating equal opportunities, reducing barriers and prejudice and making travel accessible to all.
“This landmark agreement with World Travel Market reinforces Spain’s commitment to more accessible and inclusive travel, with important developments across the event’s governance, operations and programming.
“Over the past two years, our team has worked closely with the Spain for All advisory board on accessibility learning from industry experts, many with lived experience of disability, and sharing best practice across the tourism sector to help drive meaningful progress.
“We are proud to bring this initiative to World Travel Market, the UK’s leading travel exhibition, giving accessible travel the platform and visibility it deserves and look forward to showcasing our new global platform and campaign: ‘Spain, a country for all’ during the show”.
