This course aims to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address accessibility challenges in tourism, with a specific focus on historical city destinations in the EU. Through a blend of virtual seminars and a hands-on Hackathon, participants will explore the medical, social, legislative, and economic dimensions of accessible tourism, developing inclusive solutions to improve travel experiences for all.
The course will feature lectures by academic staff covering topics such as tourism, urban planning, technology, accessibility, and business development. These lectures will be enhanced by company visits and guest presentations from industry professionals and NGOs. Students will also participate in teamwork sessions and peer feedback activities.
Assessment will include:
– A group written report, to be submitted before the start of the on-site component.
– A group case study/presentation, to be developed during the on-site week and presented at the end of the program.
Planned Activities:
The program includes a wide range of academic and experiential learning activities, both during the virtual and on-site phases:
- Lectures and Workshops: Interactive sessions on accessibility and inclusive practices, including contributions from accessibility experts, technology professionals and involving both the beneficiary population and key stakeholders from the sector, including public and private actors.
- Visits to historical sites in Seville: such as the Cathedral, the Alcázar, the Santa Cruz, the Museum of Bellas Artes, and other highly visited locations in the city, accompanied by key public managers, will be carried out to assess real accessibility conditions, take measurements, and propose improvements in physical, technological, and digital aspects. The itinerary will also include visits to complementary service areas in the city (such as accommodation and restaurants) to provide a comprehensive view of accessibility across the entire tourism ecosystem.
- Visit to Carmona (or another nearby historical site): to assess accessibility in spaces shaped by historical evolution and geographical features, which present particularly complex challenges to accessibility.
- Group Project: Students will work on a real or simulated case related to accessibility in historical cities and develop strategies for its development, with a focus on accessibility
