Loire Tourisme Champions Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism for Economic Growth

Loire Tourisme is pushing forward its 2030 strategy to bolster regional tourism as a crucial economic driver, with a particular focus this year on inclusivity for people with disabilities and their families. Antoine Vermorel-Marques, deputy and president of Loire Tourisme, stressed the significance of the initiative, noting that there are between 12 to 18 million people with disabilities in France, representing around 18% of the population. He emphasized, "Disabled tourists are tourists like others," underscoring the department's longstanding commitment to accessible accommodations and nature-based activities.

Currently, 45 establishments in the Loire have earned the 'Tourisme & handicap' certification, reflecting adherence to accessibility standards. Loire Tourisme plans to expand this further by offering training to tourism professionals. Moreover, the partnership with Clef Verte aims to intertwine inclusivity with sustainable tourism, already certifying ten establishments for eco-friendly practices.

Vermorel-Marques highlighted the region's strengths in nature, gastronomy, heritage, and culture but pointed out the need to enhance visibility and improve the infrastructure for lodging options, especially around nature activities such as camping. He also identified Chalmazel as a promising area for developing summer tourism due to its cooler climate relative to urban zones. He called for cooperative efforts among local authorities, the state, and private stakeholders to maximize this potential and promote year-round tourism.

These comprehensive efforts position inclusive and sustainable tourism as central pillars in Loire's economic strategy, aiming to boost visitor engagement while fostering environmental stewardship and social accessibility.