Chinese Study Tour in Madrid

Chinese Study Tour in Madrid

Chinese experts have visited Madrid, Spain to gain first-hand knowledge of a leading Accessible Tourism Destination.

Thanks to the generous support of Booking Cares Fund (Booking.com), 10 Chinese guests have experienced the best an accessible tourism destination can offer on a 4-day Study Visit arranged by ENAT, the European Network for Accessible Tourism, Accessible Madrid and some of its members in Madrid.

The Chinese delegation of disability advocates, researchers and university professors is led by ENAT member, Ms. Xun Ji, founder of "RARE N Roll" - the hub of accessible tourism in China. In spite of physical challenges, social entrepreneur and change-maker, Ms. Ji, is an avid world traveller and blogger with a large following in China.

The aim of this unique Chinese Study Tour in Madrid has been to establish closer ties between Chinese, Spanish and international experts and organisations, fostering innovation and new opportunities for developing Chinese inbound, outbound and domestic tourism for visitors with disabilities or other specific access requirements.

The Chinese delegation has visited and met with representatives of key players in Accessible Tourism, including: the Regional Government of Madrid, Madrid Destino, SEGITTUR ? The Spanish National Tourism Agency, PREDIF, ILUNION Hotels, Fundación ONCE, the Municipality of Alcala de Henares, Spain Heritage Cities Group, UN World Tourism Organization, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the Prado Museum.

This Chinese Study Tour in Madrid has been arranged in association with local tour operator, Accessible Madrid.

Speaking on the first day of the tour, ENAT Managing Director said: "Our aim is to promote accessible, inclusive tourism everywhere.

With this opportunity to showcase Madrid to Chinese experts from universities, disability organisations and business, we hope to start a positive cycle of change and development in the Chinese tourism sector. Giving the delegates first-hand experience of accessibility in Madrid has shown how Spanish authorities, organisations and civil society are working together to reach new levels of customer service in the tourism sector."

Ms. Xun Ji, leading the delegation from China adds: "China is looking to improve all aspects of life for people with disabilities and having the possibility to travel and experience new places and cultures is vital to everyone.

We hope this study tour has opened up new ideas and new possibilities for collaboration with Spain and Europe in the future".