Tourism for All – With Knowledge and Empathy!
News from SBS Fahrdienst München
estimated reading time: 2 Minutes
How can guests with disabilities or elderly travelers be welcomed in the best possible way? This was the central question of the practical seminar “Tourism Knowledge Compact: Professional Interaction with Disabled and Elderly Guests,” organized by Bayern Tourismus Marketing on February 17, 2025, in Nuremberg.
More than 30 participants from across Bavaria attended the event, including network manager Monica Tetzner from Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH and expert speakers Gisela Moser (MosGiTo) and Sandra Steiner, who herself uses a wheelchair. The workshop provided valuable insights, such as perspective-changing experiences using special glasses and headphones to simulate visual and auditory impairments, as well as hands-on wheelchair exercises. The event was rounded off with practical tips on making tourism more inclusive.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
- Language matters: Terms like “people with disabilities” are more respectful than “people with a handicap.” Negative phrases should also be avoided – instead of saying “XY suffers from…”, it is better to say “XY has…” or “XY uses a wheelchair.”
- Creating a welcoming culture: Friendliness, helpfulness, and accessibility should be visible – through clear signage, certifications, and inclusive imagery in marketing.
- Direct communication: Speak with guests, not about them! Open and respectful interaction is essential for a positive travel experience.
- Recognizing barriers and obstacles – to eliminate them in the future!
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Our Practical Contribution: Accessible Vehicle with Lift in Action
A highlight of the workshop was the practical session, where we at SBS Fahrdienst München had the opportunity to present one of our wheelchair-accessible vehicles with a lift. We demonstrated how safe and comfortable wheelchair transport works and shared practical insights on the key details that matter. Engaging directly with the participants provided us with valuable feedback to further improve our services.
A heartfelt thank you to Bayern Tourismus Marketing, the Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk Landesverband Bayern e.V., the Tourismusverband Franken e.V., the Congress and Tourism Center Nuremberg, and MosGiTo for their outstanding organization and support!
Together, we are making tourism in Bavaria more inclusive!
📸 Photos © Florian Trykowski