30/03/2023
On March 30 and 31, 2023, the first of three trainings within the Alter Trip Project was organized and successfully implemented in Thessaloniki, this time organized by the leading partner from Greece - the Institute for Research and Development of Exhibitions and Businesses (IEE). The training took place in the premises of the Thessaloniki fair "Helexpo", and is intended for tourism workers and stakeholders in the tourism sector. The event was attended by our president, primarius Dr. Niko Jankov, the project manager Ivona Jankova and the member of the Managing Board, organizer of events and translator from and into Greek - Fanche Georgievska, together with 17 other tourism workers and representatives of relevant institutions, such as the Municipality of Bitola, NI Intitute and Museum - Bitola, catering and accommodation businesses, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and the MIG Travel agency from Bitola was in charge of the organization. In the presence of around fourty representatives of tourism stakeholders from both countries, the representatives of the three partners in the Alter Trip Project - the director of the leading partner IEE, Vicky Dalkrani and the project managers of the Greek Ministry of the Interior (Macedonia and Thrace sector) and of Mobility Bitola, Ioannis Koziambasis and Ivona Jankova - introduced the attendees to the problem that we have been treating for the past almost two years and how significant the contribution is for both countries, and that from several aspects. More importantly, the very organization and realization of our trip was a practical example of the importance of accessible tourism – from accessible transportation to accessible accommodation and accessible infrastructure for unhindered movement. In the first part of the training, the experts of the leading partner - Dr. Dimitris Kourkouridis and Dr. Asimenia Salepaki - spoke about the legal framework and legal obligations regarding accessibility in Greece, as well as the actual situation on the ground, and of particular importance was the presentation of Simona Joveska, M.Sc., representative of the Municipality of Bitola and member of Mobility Bitola, who, sharing her experience and challenges in planning her trips, gave the most necessary answer that everyone needed to hear. In the second part, the project manager Ivona Jankova presented what has been done so far within the project - the tactile tourist signage, the printed tourist guide in Braille and the digital application, and especially emphasized that whatever is undertaken in terms of accessibility, it is most important to consult the organizations of people with disabilities, who will not only give them guidance and feedback on the smallest details, but also promote them as available and accessible activities, whose doors are open to everyone. A discussion followed, where some of the participants shared their experiences and plans for improving accessibility in their businesses, which is certainly a welcome step. All in all, a successful and solid presentation, for which we received public recognition from our partners. The organization of accommodation and travel was impeccable, for which we express our gratitude to MIG Travel and we hope that this experience was instructive for all participants and that the lessons learned will bear fruit and will be an example and incentive for other activities to improve their accessibility. Activities continue.
