Government of the Republic of Serbia
The European Commission announced the British city of Chester as the winner of the Access City Award. Chester was chosen out of 43 cities from 21 EU countries, because of its inclusive measures for people with a disability in different sectors, in particular the tourism sector.
The award was granted in the framework of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December and took place simultaneously with the yearly Conference European Day of Persons with Disabilities on 29 November. Rotterdam (NL), Jūrmala (LV), Lugo (ES), Skellefteå (SE), Alessandria (IT) and Funchal (PT) were also awarded for improving accessibility for the elderly and disabled citizens.
Presenting the award, Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility expressed her great appreciation for Chester’s achievements in creating a disability-friendly environment for its inhabitants: “Chester’s efforts to make its historical and cultural heritage fit for persons with disabilities deserve the highest praise. People with a disability should be able to participate in all aspects of life without limitations: social, cultural, economic, touristic, and more. I would like to congratulate Chester for leading the way in making life more accessible for all.”
By making its main tourist sites wheelchair-accessible, Chester proves that ensuring accessible tourism for all and preserving historical and cultural heritage can go hand in hand. What deserves special mention is that not only the public sector, but also Chester’s private enterprises are involved in accessibility initiatives. The European Jury particularly appreciated the facilities and measures targeting the most severely disabled visitors. Chester stands out not only for its impressive steps undertaken so far, but also for its long-term approach and ambitious plans for the future.
Source: ec.europa.eu
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