The regional Giunta (executive cabinet) has approved a resolution proposed by the Tourism assessor, Luca Lombardi, and co-signed by the assessor for Social Policies, Massimo Nicolò. This measure pertains to participation in a governmental initiative aimed at funding projects focused on accessible and inclusive tourism for people with disabilities.
Specifically, the council has sanctioned a public notice directed at Ligurian municipalities, in collaboration with third-sector entities, concerning the initiative promoted by the Minister for Disabilities. This initiative, in partnership with the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Labour and Social Policies, and the Minister of Tourism, allocates resources to regions to finance specific interventions through the selection of projects designed to promote accessible tourism. The Liguria Region will receive nearly 1.9 million euros.
According to Lombardi and Nicolò, “The Liguria Region has always been attentive to this issue.” The aim is to select partners to develop projects related to the implementation of accessible and inclusive tourism, to be completed within a maximum of two years. These projects will promote activities ensuring full accessibility to tourist services in the targeted areas and will offer internships for the employment inclusion of individuals with disabilities or training programs to protect their rights.
To develop a unique regional proposal for the Ministry of Disabilities, up to four projects will be selected, each receiving a maximum funding of 430,000 euros. Participation is open to three to five municipalities, including at least two coastal and one adjacent inland, even across two different provinces, to form a cohesive tourist area.
Municipalities and third-sector organizations are encouraged to submit joint projects aimed at enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities to free beaches and local tourism resources through dedicated services. The initiative also calls for the implementation of internships to promote the employment of people with disabilities within the tourism sector. A committee will evaluate the proposals, giving preference to those focused on improving accessibility in less developed areas and enhancing routes that connect the coast to the inland. All projects must be completed within 24 months.
Project proposals should focus on accessible coastal and experiential tourism, ensuring the execution of the following actions: improving accessibility for people with disabilities to free and equipped beaches, sports facilities, museums, and other public tourist resources; initiating training and internships aimed at social inclusion and autonomy for people with disabilities within tourism services. Proposed activities include enhancing services in sports facilities and museums, installing signage for discovery routes, and creating new accessible experiences for a multidisciplinary engagement with the territory.
The Regional Council for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the Liguria Region offers its support in shaping project actions. The “In Liguria” Agency will handle the promotion and dissemination of the selected projects, helping to make the destination increasingly accessible. Expressions of interest should be sent via certified email to the specified address within 45 days of the announcement’s publication on the official website of the Liguria Region.