Turismo de Portugal has launched a certification based on the Portuguese standard ISO 21902:2022 to classify accessible tourist offerings.

This is a pioneering step at an international level that aims to consolidate Portugal as an inclusive and accessible destination.

The certification is not mandatory and will be issued by bodies accredited by the Portuguese Accreditation Institute, who will carry out an audit of the accessibility conditions of destinations.

To support tour operators in implementing the necessary improvements, Turismo de Portugal’s will finance expenses related to accessibility, making this certification a strategic opportunity for agents in the sector.

The Portuguese standard ISO 21902:2022 covers a wide range of requirements and recommendations to ensure that tourist destinations, services and infrastructure are accessible to all.

Jointly commissioned by UN Tourism, San Marino and the European Accessibility Resource Centre, “Advancing Accessible Tourism for Destinations, Companies, and People” is a conpendium of 25 good practices in accessibility championed by Belgium, Czechia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan. It provides insights into accessibility improvements in culture- and nature-based tourism, festivals and pilgrimage routes, urban and rural experiences, sports and mega events, shopping tourism and transportation.

The report was officially launched at the 2025 FITUR international tourism trade fair, where AccessibleEU and UN Tourism held a seminar.

The text is structured in five sections: Politics and strategic leadership by public administrations and international organisms; Accessible transport as a fundamental pillar of a seamless tourist experience; Universal design and innovation for a better access to culture and tourism experiences based on nature; Inlcusion in sports, leisure and events aimed at personal fulfillment and entrepreneurship; and Tourism companies that take advantage of the economic potential of universal accessibility.

To access the report, click here

This year, the course introduces a module on cognitive accessibility. Registration is open.

The 2º edition of AccessibleEU’s online course introduces a new module on cognitive accessibility. Students will learn about how to apply accessibility requirements to make designs accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and people experiencing cognitive issues due to other causes.

This online course will teach the basics of universal accessibility in digital environments. Students will be able to:

• Define accessibility and inclusive design as goals to achieve.
• Understand the principles of Universal Design.
• Distinguish the differences between legal and technical regulations.
• Know the legislation and standards in force in Europe.
• Understand that accessibility benefits every person and that it is a necessary objective.
• Learn that the limitations are in the design and not in the person.
• Learn about errors in design that cause exclusion.
• Understand why multiple designs should be avoided for the sake of accessibility.
• Learn about the principles of Cognitive Accessibility and why it is important.

Registration is already open on AccessibleEU’s online campus, and students will be able to access the course once it officially begins on 9 September. After that, they will be able to complete it at their own pace. The course has an estimated dedication time of 25 hours and it is imparted in English.

New module on cognitive accessibility

This new unit explains how to design for persons with intellectual disabilities. Students will learn about the different characteristics of this disability which will be used as basis to describe key design concepts and guidelines.

This module will also show how designing for intellectual disability can benefit people with other disorders such as cognitive decline or acquired brain injury. In fact, everyone can benefit from this type of design as it promotes easy understanding and communication.

Additionally, a description of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance criteria that positively impact persons with intellectual disabilities is provided.

Source: AccessibleEU