Greece is making significant strides to promote inclusive tourism by retrofitting 287 beaches nationwide with self-operating wheelchair ramps. This initiative aims to provide wheelchair users with greater independence and accessibility to enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes that Greece is best known for.
With 147 beaches already outfitted with the Seatrac system, disabled individuals can already experience the pleasure of swimming in the country’s pristine and crystal blue waters that it’s famous for without having to deal with the difficulties of moving over sand.
As for this beach accessibility project, the system used, Seatrac, is explained on the website at ‘a free service that offers unassisted sea access to people with disabilities and mobility issues. It is an innovative, technological assistant that promotes autonomy, quality, and wellness in everyday life. It encourages integration and inclusion of all members of society. It allows caretakers and families of people with disabilities to enjoy beachgoing without the physical hassle.’
Moreover, the accessibility project extends beyond the beaches, encompassing renowned landmarks such as the Acropolis of Athens, allowing wheelchair-bound visitors to fully explore and appreciate some of the country’s incredibly rich cultural heritage. At this site, there is even a wheelchair elevator, as well as other wheelchair-ready renovations that were made, to allow such visitors to easily access the bathrooms, snack bars, sidewalks and walkways, and other amenities found there.
Greece’s tourism minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced at a press conference, “People with disabilities and people with limited mobility can engage in activities such as swimming that contribute to their physical and mental health.”
Meanwhile, Ignatios Fotiou, who helped develop the technology, told the Washington Post, “Seatrac does not provide only independent access to the sea, it provides dignity and independence to people with mobility issues that want to enjoy swimming. They can choose where to go and ask their friends to join them, not the other way around.”
In addition, the government has created a website for locals and tourists alike to find all the information they need to be able to plan a trip to the beach that includes all types of individuals. It even has a map showing which beaches are equipped with the Seatracs service to make it easier for people to find the closest beach location to where they may be staying.
See the video below to find out more about this incredible project.
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