The new label for accessible tourism is …
1. Objectively monitored
A tourist company or service can only obtain the label after an investigation by a specialist accessibility agency. In this, attention is paid to many aspects. For example, are there appropriate sanitary facilities? How can the building be accessed via public transport? Was it furnished with allergy-free materials? Does the fire alarm emit light and audible signals?
All the collected information is recorded in the 'Accessible Flanders' database, which can be consulted via Internet at www.toevla.be. Each objectively inspected tourist building can be recognised by the label.
2. Clear
The label consists of three levels: The arrow in a discontinuous circle indicates that a building has only been inspected. The detailed accessibility information is available via the Accessible Travel in Flanders database, www.toevla.be. This information can also be requested free of charge from the Flemish Tourist Board's Accessible Travel Info Point.
An A in the label means that the tourist building has been objectively inspected (see above), plus it has basic accessibility for people with restricted mobility, such as wheelchair users. Concretely this means that all important rooms (entrance, reception, bedroom, sanitary facilities, breakfast room/dining room, exhibition space, walking and rolling routes between these parts) are – if present – easily useable and accessible. Some assistance might be needed.
Note: the label provides no information concerning access to other extra facilities such as a swimming pool attached to holiday accommodations.
More information can be requested free of charge from the Flemish Tourist Board's Accessible Travel Info Point.
A building with an A+ label is comfortably accessible. The characteristics described above also apply to this tourist building. In addition, people with restricted mobility in principle can use the important rooms without assistance.
Note: here again we are saying nothing about the accessibility of extra facilities in the building.
More information can be requested free of charge from the Flemish Tourist Board's Accessible Travel Info Point.
3. Awarded by the Flemish Tourist Board
A commission has been formed to monitor the correct use of the label. For each candidate, this commission studies whether she/he meets all the requirements to obtain the label. After a tourist building has obtained the label, the inspection services of the Flemish Tourist Board follow up each change on site.
4. A mark of qualityThe tourist sector in Flanders is making great efforts to ensure comfortable tourism for all. There is much good will and considerable interest, which the government is responding to with expert advice and financial support. With the new label, the Flemish Tourist Board wishes to reward the very best examples of accessible tourism. The bar, however, is quite high! Only tourist buildings and services that satisfy the conditions are eligible for the Flemish accessible tourism label.5. NewBoth the tourist suppliers as well as the general public will need to adjust somewhat to this new quality label. Soon, however, we will all recognise the open circle and the arrow as a trustworthy sign of comfort and quality for all!This label originated in collaboration with the ‘Flemish Equal Opportunity Policy’, the ‘Equal Opportunities unit in Flanders’ and the provincial centres and accessibility consulting firms.
Make your selection
For a list of all holiday accommodation with level A or A+, click on one of the tourism themes in Flanders:
‘Coast' groups together all accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the Flemish beaches.
‘City' takes you to the exciting offers in our cultural cities.
‘Green’ stands for breathtaking views of our most beautiful countryside.
There is more information about the label in the FAQ section.
