Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 11 (2009); 73-79
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Resumo: Everyone has the right to leisure, without discrimination, and public authorities are obliged to remove all impediments in order for this right to be real and effective. According to the latest available data, 23% of the European population has problems of permanent or partial mobility, a number that is expected to increase with an aging population. However, until recently, this market segment was not included in the commercial strategies of the tourism industry.In this context, the City of Avila, a world heritage site, has adopted a specific program for the development of accessible tourism and accessible heritage, in declaring 'patrimony of all' and a 'tourism for all'.It is the objective of this study to explain the general lines of the most relevant actions in identifying Ávila as an accessible heritage city. This process resulted to 'best practices' recognized through several national awards. It is a long road ahead whereas, sustainability was only promoted at the end of teh 20th century, and now is the moment to prioritize accessibility as fundamental in all public policies that contributes to inclusion
