Germany Shapes The Next Era Of Inclusive Travel, Accessible Tourism Event Returns To Berlin In 2026

The German National Tourist Board is set to advance the global conversation on inclusive travel with the next edition of the Day of Accessible Tourism, scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The full-day conference will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds, hosted in CityCube Berlin, Hall A5, and will also be accessible to participants joining remotely from around the world.

Designed as a hybrid event, the Day of Accessible Tourism brings together a wide range of voices shaping the future of inclusive travel. Researchers, destination managers, tourism businesses, technology specialists, and advocacy organizations representing people with disabilities will gather to exchange knowledge, share data-driven insights, and explore practical solutions that make travel more accessible for all. Through a carefully curated programme of keynote addresses, expert panels, and real-world case studies, the event aims to highlight progress while addressing remaining gaps across the tourism value chain.

The 2026 edition places a strong spotlight on four strategic areas that are reshaping accessible tourism. Accessible cultural experiences will take center stage, examining how museums, heritage sites, festivals, and creative spaces can be designed and managed to welcome travelers with diverse needs. Equal attention will be given to accessible accommodation, focusing on design standards, service quality, transparency of information, and the role of certification in building traveler confidence.

Another major theme is the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technology in travel planning. Discussions will explore how AI-powered tools, smart data, and digital platforms can remove barriers before a journey even begins, enabling travelers to plan, book, and navigate destinations more independently. In parallel, the programme will examine inclusive holiday experiences on and by the water, addressing accessibility in coastal destinations, lakes, rivers, cruises, and water-based leisure activities that are increasingly important to Germany’s tourism offer.

The conference will officially open with remarks from Dr. Christoph Ploß, Member of the German Bundestag and Federal Government Coordinator for Tourism, underscoring the political and economic importance of accessible travel. Welcome addresses will follow from Jürgen Dusel, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, and André Nowak, spokesperson for the Tourism Working Group of the German Disability Council, emphasizing the social responsibility and rights-based approach at the heart of inclusion in tourism.

The Day of Accessible Tourism is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and supported by Messe Berlin in cooperation with ITB. The programme has been developed collaboratively by the German National Tourist Board and its project advisory board. This includes the “AG Leichter Reisen” initiative, the “Tourismus für Alle” working group of regional tourism organizations, and the Tourism Working Group of the German Disability Council, ensuring that both industry expertise and lived experience inform the agenda.

Accessibility is embedded not only in the topics discussed but also in the delivery of the event itself. Sessions will be conducted in both German and English with simultaneous interpretation. Sign language interpretation and real-time written transcription will be provided, ensuring broad participation and engagement. For those attending in person, an ITB ticket will be required, while online participation will be offered free of charge, widening access to international audiences.

By convening stakeholders from across sectors and borders, the Day of Accessible Tourism 2026 aims to strengthen cooperation, inspire innovation, and reinforce Germany’s commitment to inclusive, future-ready tourism that benefits travelers, businesses, and destinations alike.

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WestJet Expands Direct Access to Havana Opening Doors for Canadian Travellers

Canadian travellers now have an exceptional opportunity to explore the heart of Cuba’s history and culture with the launch of WestJet’s new direct flights connecting Toronto and Havana. Operating twice weekly, this route restores a crucial link between Canada and one of the Caribbean’s most culturally significant cities, giving visitors a seamless path to experience Havana’s historic streets, vibrant music scene, and renowned heritage.

Havana is a city celebrated globally for its architectural grandeur, lively plazas, and rich cultural traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1982 and designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Havana offers travellers a unique blend of history, art, and music that continues to captivate visitors from around the world. This direct air service provides Canadian travellers with the ability to fully immerse themselves in Havana’s historic charm, from colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets to thriving markets, music performances, and local cuisine.

The new Toronto–Havana flights are designed to serve a diverse range of travellers. Leisure tourists looking for a combination of cultural discovery and beach relaxation can enjoy Havana’s historic neighborhoods alongside the world-famous resorts of Varadero. Business travellers, academics, and students will also benefit from the route, as it facilitates participation in major cultural, educational, scientific, and sporting events hosted in the capital city.

The route also strengthens educational and cultural connections between Canada and Cuba. By improving accessibility, the flights facilitate academic exchanges, professional collaborations, and participation in cultural festivals and events that draw visitors from around the world. This connection ensures that Havana is not only a destination for leisure but also a hub for learning, networking, and cultural engagement.

Travellers can book flights and vacation packages through multiple channels, including WestJet Vacations, Hola Sun, The Special Travel, and directly via westjet.com, offering a range of options to suit various travel preferences. The Cuba Tourism Board, representing the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba in Canada, continues to provide comprehensive guidance for Canadians planning trips to the island, highlighting Havana’s diverse attractions and unique cultural experiences.

Havana’s appeal lies in its ability to transport visitors to a vibrant, living history. From the grandeur of the Malecón waterfront to the colorful streets of Old Havana, the city’s music, art, and gastronomy create an unforgettable travel experience. The new WestJet flights allow Canadian travellers to access these treasures with ease, making Havana a top destination for cultural exploration, historical discovery, and immersive experiences in one of the Caribbean’s most iconic cities.

By offering direct connectivity from Toronto, WestJet is opening the door for Canadians to discover Havana’s historic legacy, artistic heritage, and musical traditions, while also enabling the flexibility to combine cultural immersion with beachside relaxation. This enhanced accessibility underscores Cuba’s appeal as a versatile travel destination and strengthens the cultural ties between Canada and Havana, inviting travellers to experience the full spectrum of what the city has to offer.

With the launch of WestJet’s direct flights from Toronto to Havana, Canadian travellers now have unparalleled access to Cuba’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic heritage. This route not only makes it easier to explore Havana’s historic streets, lively music scene, and culinary delights but also offers the flexibility to combine cultural immersion with relaxing beach escapes. By connecting Canada directly to one of the Caribbean’s most captivating cities, WestJet and the Cuba Tourism Board are opening the door for memorable travel experiences that celebrate both the past and the present, inviting visitors to fully embrace everything Havana has to offer.

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Holland America Line Launches Start Your Journey Wave Season Deals Across Alaska, Europe and Caribbean: All You Need to Know

Holland America Line is setting the stage for an exciting Wave Season with its most generous promotion of the year. The cruise line’s “Start Your Journey” offer gives travelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore destinations across Alaska Europe the Caribbean and more while enjoying significant savings and exclusive perks. Covering over 500 cruises from summer 2026 through spring 2027 this promotion combines reduced deposits cruise fare discounts free balcony upgrades onboard credits and complimentary fares for children to make dream vacations more accessible.

Start Your Journey Offer Delivers Exceptional Value

Travelers who book under the “Start Your Journey” promotion can enjoy a variety of benefits designed to enhance every aspect of their cruise experience. Reduced deposits allow guests to reserve their preferred stateroom with just half of the usual upfront cost for the first and second guests. Cruise fares are available at up to 30% off with daily rates starting as low as $162 per person depending on the voyage.

The promotion also includes free upgrades, enabling travelers to secure a balcony stateroom for the price of an ocean-view cabin or an ocean-view for the price of an interior. Families benefit from free fares for children 18 and under traveling as the third and fourth guests in a cabin, making multi-generational vacations easier to plan and more affordable.

Onboard credits add further value, with amounts ranging from $100 per person for cruises of six to nine days to $250 per person for the longest Legendary Voyages. Guests can use these credits for specialty dining spa treatments shore excursions and onboard purchases. Alaska travelers receive additional shore excursion credits up to $200 per stateroom for bookings made with the promo code #1ALASKA26, offering more ways to experience the state’s natural wonders.

Have It All Premium Fare Enhances Experience

For those choosing the “Have It All” premium fare, Holland America Line includes four high-value amenities: shore excursions based on cruise duration a Signature Beverage Package specialty dining options and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. Combined with the Wave Season perks, travelers enjoy stateroom upgrades reduced deposits free kids fares and onboard credits, creating a comprehensive luxury cruise experience without compromise.

Destinations and Sample Cruises

The “Start Your Journey” promotion spans a wide array of destinations to suit every traveler’s preference. Alaska Cruisetours combine sea and land experiences with guided exploration of Denali and the Yukon. Europe itineraries showcase Norwegian fjords and iconic cities. The Caribbean features tropical adventures across the Greater Antilles and Mexico. Additional routes include Canada and New England Mexico and the Panama Canal Australia and New Zealand South America Antarctica Hawaii South Pacific Asia and the U.S. Pacific Coast.

Sample voyages include a 7-day Alaska Explorer aboard Noordam from July 5, 2026, starting at $224 per person per day a 7-day Canada and New England cruise aboard Zuiderdam in May 2026 at $167 per person per day a 10-day Alaska Denali Cruisetour aboard Nieuw Amsterdam in June 2026 at $227 per person per day and a 12-day Panama Canal Discovery cruise aboard Nieuw Amsterdam in October 2026 starting at $189 per person per day. Norwegian fjord cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam and Caribbean cruises aboard Zuiderdam offer additional exciting options for travelers.

Experience Alaska Like Never Before

Alaska remains a standout destination under the “Start Your Journey” promotion. Guests booking Alaska cruises or Cruisetours can enjoy free balcony upgrades to fully appreciate majestic glaciers fjords and wildlife. Holland America Line brings nearly 80 years of Alaska experience to its voyages, offering more than 200 wildlife and wilderness tours. From observing bears eagles and whales to guided explorations of pristine landscapes the Alaska shore excursion credits make it easier than ever for travelers to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most spectacular regions.

Booking and Eligibility

All fares include taxes fees and port expenses, except for complimentary children’s fares. The promotion excludes Grand Voyages and cruises of five days or less. Children traveling as third or fourth guests do not require the Have It All fare to qualify for free travel. Balcony and verandah upgrades are subject to availability, making early booking the best way to secure the most desirable staterooms.

With Wave Season in full swing, Holland America Line’s “Start Your Journey” promotion provides a unique chance to plan next year’s cruise adventures while enjoying unmatched value and premium perks. From the glaciers of Alaska to the canals of Europe the tropical waters of the Caribbean and the dramatic landscapes of South America this offer ensures travelers can explore the world in comfort style and unforgettable experiences.

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