An innovative model of accessibility and inclusiveness in tourism
Starting with young people with multiple sclerosis, we have implemented the world’s first dedicated project in the cruise sector, promoting an inclusive, responsible, and accessible tourism.
YAT! Youth Accessibility Tourism
The Results
- Young people trained
- %% women trained
- Training hours provided
- Adagio tours implemented
In collaboration with: AISM (Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla)
THE CHALLENGE: increasing autonomy in tourism
For many, travelling is an experience that must come to terms with the limitations of their disability.
As one of the leader companies in an industry that moves millions of travellers a year, i.e. the cruises, Costa is at the forefront of developing inclusive projects, in order to break down barriers and provide accessible tourist services for all.
THE GOALS: no-limit shore excursions for all
The project stems from our commitment to social inclusion and the desire to give people with disabilities the opportunity to have a comfortable holiday, thus improving their quality of life.
OUR PROJECT: accessibility means a more inclusive society
We have signed an important agreement with AISM to develop a joint project aimed at making holidays increasingly accessible to people with motor disabilities. This has led to the creation of the Adagio Tours, thanks to which – for the first time ever in this industry – guests with disabilities will be able to participate in group shore excursions with no additional costs or charges. In fact, we are not only providing barrier-free tourist services, but also excursions open to all guests, thus offering those with disabilities a complete holiday experience.
The first tours were made possible thanks to the support of 15 women with multiple sclerosis, and then the project expanded to new destinations involving another 6 young people with multiple sclerosis, also selected by AISM. After attending a specific training course, the young people helped design the tours on board, testing them first-hand, considering every detail related to accessibility, and mapping the routes according to the most advanced international best practices of AISM. This training experience also gave the young people new employment opportunities.
The Adagio Tours are an ideal solution for all those who like to discover the beauty of Costa’s destinations at their own pace, unhurriedly and slowly. At the same time, they meet the needs of all our guests with mobility impairments, elderly people, and parents travelling with pushchairs.