Cortina adopts Decalogue to become accessible and inclusive tourist destination for all. And not only

With one year to go before the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing to become a model destination for accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, and on this path, the municipality has signed the Destination4all Decalogue.
However, the commitment of the Municipality of Cortina goes far beyond the Olympic event: the goal is to build a more welcoming and usable city for citizens and tourists, laying the foundations for lasting change that will make Cortina a destination open to everyone, all year round.

Decalogue adopted by the municipality
The Municipality of Cortina has initiated a series of projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the local community and visitors, with a focus on a culture of inclusion and the creation of functional urban spaces. The latest step was taken in mid-February when the Municipality of Cortina resolved to adopt the Destination4All Decalogue, approved by FISH (Italian Federation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Families). This strategic document defines ten fundamental principles to enable the tourist destination to accessible hospitality. The decalogue promotes the involvement of the entire tourism supply chain, transparency of information, training based on Universal Design principles, and collaboration with local governments. It represents a concrete commitment to ensuring an authentic and inclusive tourism experience where every person can feel welcomed and valued.

WHERE TO FIND IT: Attached is the Destination4All Decalogue, which details the principles adopted by the City of Cortina to promote truly accessible and inclusive tourism.

The road ahead: Guidelines, PEBA and Guide to Accessible Hospitality

The path already taken by the Municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo has seen the adoption of the Guidelines for the Analysis of Universal Accessibility and Inclusion in the Cities of the Veneto Region, which are a pillar of this path, providing essential tools to foster the usability of urban environments and promote a culture of universal hospitality.

In parallel, Cortina is implementing significant urban redevelopment projects to eliminate architectural barriers. The PEBA (Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers), prepared by the municipality, will be implemented with the goal of making the city more accessible and livable for every person, regardless of their abilities.

Another key piece is the Destination4All protocol, implemented by Village for all V4A and promoted by the City of Cortina. This project involved a number of hospitality, restaurant, and retail businesses, with the goal of improving accessibility by upgrading spaces and training staff, promoting a culture of inclusive hospitality.

The protocol is the starting point that guided the first draft of Cortina’s Accessible Hospitality Guide, a practical resource that brings together detailed information on tourist attractions and infrastructure committed to improving the quality of accommodation for people with accessibility needs. The guide provides an overview of accessibility opportunities in the city and includes the “Accessibility Score, “ an indicator based on qualitative and quantitative criteria that is useful for identifying the accommodations best suited to one’s needs. As a result of this initiative, many facilities are adopting good inclusion practices, improving accessibility through renovations and staff training, a key element in ensuring an informed and respectful welcome. The goal is to make inclusion an integral part of the tourism experience, offering a service that is truly accessible to all.

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Guide to Accessible Hospitality is available in an accessible digital version on the Cortina d’Ampezzo City Council website and at https://www.villageforall.net/guide/ and will be distributed in hard copy on March 6, 2025 at Alexander Girardi Hall at 6 p.m. during the presentation of the winning project of the “Accessibility Ideas Competition” sponsored by the City at the event “MODERN HEROES, Building Paralympic Value.”

Accessibility contest: awards ceremony on March 6

The call for entries for the Inclusive Accessibility Ideas Competition, sponsored by the City of Cortina, closed at the end of January. There was considerable participation, demonstrating interest from the community and professionals in the field. The Judging Committee has already deliberated and the winning project will be announced on March 6, at the event “MODERN HEROES, Building Paralympic Value” to be held at Alexander Girardi Hall at 6 p.m. This project will be carried out at the expense of the municipality. The official award ceremony will take place an important showcase to enhance the city’s commitment to a more inclusive future.

STATEMENTS

by Mayor Gianluca Lorenzi:
“The Paralympics represent much more than a sporting event: they are a symbol of inclusion, resilience and growth for our community. For me, they mean the opportunity to transform Cortina into a place where every person, regardless of their abilities, can feel welcomed, valued and an integral part of our reality. I feel proud to lead Cortina on this journey, knowing that inclusion and accessibility are core values for the future of our city.”

By Deputy Mayor Roberta Alverà:

“Since I took office in the municipal administration, I have considered the accessibility of people with special needs a priority goal for Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 2026 Paralympic event represents a unique opportunity to promote a new culture of inclusion, transforming our area into a welcoming destination that can be enjoyed by all. We are working hard to build a network of support that actively involves the local fabric: from accommodations to commerce to staff training. The adoption of the Accessibility Decalogue and the first “Guide to Accessible Hospitality” marks a concrete step along this path, outlining clear principles to ensure barrier-free hospitality. The participation of so many stakeholders in the area shows that we are on the right path to make Cortina an example of inclusive hospitality, not only in view of the Paralympics, but for the well-being of citizens and tourists all year round.”

By Roberto Vitali, CEO and cofounder of Village for all – V4A®:

“Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing for the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics by laying the foundations for a new model of accessible and inclusive hospitality. Thanks to the Destination4All protocol, businesses in the area have a concrete tool to train and respond to the needs of the tourism of the future. The adoption of the Destination4All Decalogue confirms Cortina and all destinations that adopt this model as vanguards of inclusive tourism in Italy.”