Accessible Tourism in Poland

Key words: Poland, accessible tourism, policies, disability, challenges.

The topic of this conference is accessible tourism in Poland. In recent years, Poland has emerged as a popular destination for travellers, reaching a number of 6 million tourists and creating 24 million new jobs in 2023 (Trade.gov.pl, 2024). As the tourism industry evolves each year, there is increasing awareness of the need for accessibility. The authors Buhalis & Darcy, (2010) describe accessible tourism as a type of tourism that involves a cooperative effort among stakeholders to support individuals with various access needs, such as those related to vision, mobility and hearing. According to WHO, (2023) there are about 135 million individuals with disabilities in the EU. In the past, accessible tourism has gained more attention in the EU as an important aspect of sustainable tourism, creating new legalisation and regulations. For example, the Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council addresses the rights of disabled individuals when travelling by air, while The Act on Digital Accessibility ensures that public sector websites and mobile applications are accessible to all users, even people with visual and hearing disabilities. In the context of Poland, the country has introduced programs like the Accessibility Plus Programme (2018), aiming to make public areas accessible to seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Additionally, in terms of tourism ‘Accessible Poland Tours’ and ‘Accessible Tours’, a specialized agency, offers tailored tours for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility. Services include city tours, full-day excursions, access to health spas, adapted transportation, personal care, and rehabilitation equipment.
However, despite the fact that the Polish government and other groups have enacted measures and legalisation in the past, there are still issues, and tourists with disabilities as well as citizens continue to encounter significant challenges, particularly concerning physical infrastructure and transportation. Furthermore, prioritizing accessible tourism could serve as a competitive advantage in both the Polish and global markets, drawing in more tourists each year who prioritize accessibility when travelling. The lack of fundamental features such as suitable ramps, accessible entrances, and designated parking spaces makes it challenging for individuals with disabilities to navigate and fully enjoy their experiences in certain parts and attractions of Poland. These ongoing issues highlight the gap between legalisation and practice, underscoring the need for more effective enforcement and implementation of accessibility requirements and standards across Poland’s public sectors.

To address these challenges, efforts to address accessibility issues in Poland can draw inspiration from successful practices in other European countries. For example, Germany established the ‘Barrier-free Travel Destinations Association’ to promote and develop a barrier-free network by creating transparency of products and services, sharing new ideas, and collaborating with local authorities and other groups, while the Czech Republic’s attractions like the Krkonosze Mountains implemented initiatives for ‘disability-friendly’ tourism by making the park and routes more accessible allowing not only individuals with disabilities but also for elderly people and families to have full experience while visiting the national park. Additionally, Sweden’s comprehensive transport networks set the standard for mobility support with features such as airport assistance, and wheelchair-accessible trains for people on wheelchairs and also other groups like people suffering from allergies. Implementing comparable methods in Poland, such as establishing national organisations for accessible tourism and replacing accessibility actions like those in Sweden or Germany, might increase the country’s attractiveness to a wider demographic of tourists while also promoting sustainability. Prioritizing accessibility in natural parks, similar to the Czech Republic’s approach, might improve Poland’s tourist attractions by benefiting people with disabilities and assuring inclusion. Furthermore, comprehensive training and awareness initiatives are required to ensure all visitors can experience and enjoy Poland’s offerings fully.
In conclusion, this report highlighted the significance of accessible tourism in Poland, discussing definitions, policies, challenges and recommendations. Drawing from successful international examples, the report emphasised the necessity of integrating accessibility measures into associations, natural attractions, and transportation. By putting accessibility first, Poland can ensure that all tourists, including those with impairments, can enjoy the experience. However, while a sight of progress has been made, stronger political commitment is needed to ensure continuous improvements for people with special needs.

Buhalis, D. & Darcy, S., 2010. Accessible tourism: concepts and issues. Bristol: Channel View Publications.
Commission, E., 2014. Mapping of Skills and Training Needs to Improve Accessibility in Tourism Services in Europe , Germany: European Commission.
EU, 2023. Tourism for all. [Online]
Trade.gov.pl, 2024. Poland – an attractive destination for tourists from abroad. [Online]
Available at: https://www.trade.gov.pl/en/news/poland-an-attractive-destination-for-tourists-from-abroad/#
[Accessed 19 05 2024].
WHO, 2023. Disability. [Online]
Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/disability#tab=tab_1
[Accessed 19 05 2024].

With the growing awareness of the importance of accessibility tourism in Poland is undergoing some very significant changes, which is clearly presented in the discussion paper. The author has highlighted the key challenges and changes involved with accessibility in Poland, the journey towards truly inclusive tourism is faced with both challenges and opportunities which is clearly explained in this discussion paper.
Accessible tourism is defined by Buhalis and Darcy (2010) as a cooperative effort between stakeholders and individuals to cater to their access needs. Poland has taken steps towards accessibility and inclusivity by enhancing public spaces for seniors, people with disabilities and any other vulnerable groups and this is clearly presented in this discussion paper.
The author has covered the needs of people to ensure tourism is more inclusive and accessible, and what barriers still remain such as infrastructure, transportation etc and are lacking in essential features such as ramps, designated parking spaces etc. therefore accessibility standards must be raised. The author has offered solutions as to how other places in Europe have created more accessible tourist destinations and how this can be applied to tourism destinations in Poland. Implementing similar strategies in Poland could yield significant benefits.
In conclusion, the author has provided a well written and effective piece that presents challenges faces by vulnerable groups and provided solutions in minimising these barriers for the tourists of Poland. This discussion highlights the current state of accessible tourism in Poland and emphasizes the improvements that still need to be made, drawing from international examples to provide recommendations.
Buhalis, D. & Darcy, S., 2010. Accessible tourism: concepts and issues. Bristol: Channel View Publications.
Porebska, E. A., Barnas, J., and Gajewski, P. (2021) Invisible barriers: excluding accessibility from the field of interest of architecture and urban planning in Poland. Disability and society, 36(6) 1021-1025. Available from: Full article: Invisible barriers: excluding accessibility from the field of interest of architecture and urban planning in Poland (tandfonline.com)

In the past few years especially there has been an increase in the awareness of people with disability, which resulted in more travel destinations becoming more accessible which the author of the paper clearly states. Focusing mainly on Poland and the challenges a person with disability might face while travelling. The author talks about what accessible tourism is and what it entails. According to Buhalis and Darcy (2010) is the tourism type that makes efforts among stakeholders to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. The main focus of this conference paper is the legislation and laws that protect the people dealing with disabilities and the struggles they are still facing even if the law protects them. The author has also mentioned the legislations that are supposed to protect the people with disability such as the The Act on Digital Accessibility that is supposed to make sure that every website of a destination is accessible to everyone even people with hearing and visual disability. The author goes on and explains other legislations and programs that are supposed to help. Also explaining that even though the government has put all these rules, people with disabilities still have a lot of challenges no matter if they are tourists or locals.

The explanation of the information is well written and very well put into words gives the opportunity for people that don’t know anything about this type of tourism to have a clear vision of what is supposed to be. It also explains some strategies Poland can adopt from other countries that have succeeded to make accessible tourism more barrier free. With examples of different countries and explanations on why it worked so well and why it can adapt to Poland’s situation.

In conclusion the author has done an outstanding job on giving all the vital information on the type of tourism, its situation in Poland and giving suggestions with examples of other countries that have already made steps towards making accessible tourism more welcoming. As well as explaining why it will work for Poland. Additionally to all of this it is also very well written which as stated above, will allow people that don’t know much about the topic to understand it better.

Buhalis, D. & Darcy, S., 2010. Accessible tourism: concepts and issues. Bristol: Channel View Publications.
Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy. (2024). Another step towards accessibility - Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy - Gov.pl website. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.pl/web/funds-regional-policy/another-step-towards-accessibility#:~:text=Up%20to%20now%2C%20public%20administration