When we walk together, we discover more than barriers: we discover possibilities. This is how the conference held recently at El Poble Nou de Benitatxell could be summed up, where a decisive impulse towards universal accessibility has been given. The initiative, organised by the Council in collaboration with Accesscity (@accesscity_) – a Marina Alta-based company specialising in transforming environments towards accessibility through participatory activities, training and technical analysis – brought together technical staff, local associations and people in various participatory experiences.
The activities, led by Virginia Real, offered a series of trainings and workshops that placed accessibility as a key and transversal axis for local development and inclusive tourism. Because making our towns accessible is not only a question of rights, it is also an opportunity for the future.
In addition, two specific training sessions were held for different key audiences. On the one hand, a session directed to the private sector linked to tourism, which addressed tools and strategies to offer more inclusive and attractive tourism services for everyone. On the other hand, a training session to the technical staff of the Council, with a more transversal and specialised approach, to integrate accessibility in planning, urban design and municipal management. Both actions were fundamental to growing knowledge and commitment at all levels.
One of the most inspiring moments was the exploratory walk along the urban tourist route of the municipality. This walk allowed us to open our eyes, from an empathetic look at the environment, but, above all, to open conversations. After the walk, a participative workshop was held in which ideas, reflections and ideas for improving the everyday environment were shared. An enriching sharing that ended with a collaborative map that reaffirms the power of local people’s participation to promote real, sustainable transformations adapted to the needs of the territory.
«If one thing has been learned from these workshops, it is that an accessible town is a friendlier, safer, more liveable place, ready to welcome all people, including those who travel. A commitment to accessibility is also a commitment to a more responsible, fair and competitive model of tourism. With actions like this, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell is moving forward in the creation of a tourist destination that welcomes, listens and adapts to every person. And it does it in the best way: walking together», said the councillor in charge of Tourism, Víctor Bisquert.
