Accessible tourism is increasingly recognized as a driver of inclusive growth, competitiveness and sustainable development. In 2026, this agenda gains particular significance as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities marks 20 years since its adoption. Ensuring that tourism infrastructure and services are accessible to 1.3 billion persons with disabilities and 1.2 billion people aged over 60, worldwide, is not only a matter of rights; it is a golden opportunity to reach new markets, improve service quality, strengthen brand reputation and build more resilient tourism economies. 

Across the Middle East, and particularly in destinations investing in high-quality, innovative and visitor-centered experiences, accessibility is relevant to both tourism planning and business strategies. Moving from intention to implementation requires tourism authorities and businesses to understand where barriers arise, how they affect the customers and local end-users, and which improvements should be applied. The changes need to take place across the entire tourism value chain. Cooperation with people with disabilities and their representative organizations is equally important to ensure that solutions and investment respond to actual needs.

Within its mandate on Accessible Tourism, and in order to highlight its strategic role for the Middle East, UN Tourism is developing a webinar focused on awareness-raising and skills development for the Middle East. The webinar will serve as a platform for exchanging good practices and supporting Member-States from the Middle East and tourism industry-related stakeholders in improving accessibility measures in the sector.

The webinar will be conducted in English and Arabic with English-Arabic interpretation.

For More information:
https://www.untourism.int/events/accessible-tourism-as-a-strategic-opportunity-for-the-middle-east