Portugal is estimated to have approximately 8% to 10% of population carrying some type of disability and in Europe there are about 50 million (ISCTE study 2007) people with disabilities and 134 million people with reduced mobility.

The huge potential market formed by citizens with reduced mobility, not only the residents but also foreigners who intend to spend vacations in Portugal, should not be disregarded since this segment can provide an important income for the establishments and the country itself.

According to ENAT* (data collected in 2007), accessible tourism is estimated to generate a potential income of 83 million Euros a year, in the European market.
*European Network for Accessible Tourism

Besides people in wheelchair, there are other cases in which one has a temporary or permanent reduced mobility. Therefore, all population takes benefits from accessibilities:

•    A person using a walking stick, who could represent senior population, or even a youngster with a broken leg who has to use crutches. For these people it’s much safer to use a low degree ramp rather than stairs;

•    Parents pushing a stroller have become certainly aware of how important are accessibilities;

•   One apparently with no mobility issues… If that’s your case, imagine for instance if there were no accessibility in the airports and you would have to carry your heavy luggage through a stairwell… In this scenario a lift or a ramp would make the route much more accessible… Or even when you come from the supermarket carrying heavy bags.

In fact, if we consider also elderly people, pregnant ladies and couples with children, besides people carrying disabilities, it’s clear that approximately 30% to 40% of all Europeans could take significant benefits from the improvement of accessibilities in the tourism industry.

From this point of view, accessibilities should be considered an investment opportunity. The advantages are easy to spot and are profitable in the medium term.

Besides being a social obligation, creating a Country Accessible for Everyone is also a powerful mean on economic competition, contributing to the raise of the satisfaction level and quality of life of all citizens, potential users and clients of spaces, either they suffer or not from reduced mobility.