Archives 2012

The Accessible Road: even more to offer in 2012
Many key additions and enhancements announced

Montreal, April 12, 2012

The 7th edition of The Accessible Road promises not only an expanded roster of participating establishments in Québec, but also major improvements that make information easier to find.

The Accessible Road is an innovative reference tool designed to promote safe, barrier-free travel opportunities in Québec for persons with limited physical ability through its bilingual Web guide devoted to accessibility (www.larouteaccessible.com). The guide is based on a network that now includes 206 cultural and tourist establishments in 14 regions of Québec that have adapted their facilities for safety and universal accessibility. It can also count on over 1,400 people certified under Kéroul's Welcoming Ways training program to ensure visitors are treated appropriately and hospitably.

"This season, The Accessible Road should really hit its stride," stated André Leclerc, the CEO of Kéroul, the organization behind the Road. "We have just brought a 14th region into the fold, namely Centre-du-Québec, which includes the Drummondville and Bois-Francs areas and both shores of the St. Lawrence. It accounts for 12 of the 36 new partners in the network. We have also improved information access this year by consolidating everything in a 28-page tourism brochure. Travellers can obtain a copy from the visitor information and welcome centres or on The Accessible Road's site (digital version; hardcopy version can be ordered). "

"In addition to the theme collections from previous years, we now have two new sections—one on birding and bird migration and one that highlights must-see attractions. These detailed lists can be used to help plan itineraries based on travel preferences. Lastly, one of our partners, the Parc national d'Oka, rents specially adapted Huttopia tents."

Kéroul has just published its Study on the Behaviours and Attitudes of People With a Physical Disability With Respect to Tourism, Culture and Transportation in Québec. The study findings indicate that this niche market is estimated to be worth over $1 billion. The Accessible Road represents the industry's win-win response to the needs of this important consumer segment.

Kéroul wishes to thank its many partners, including Aéroports de Montréal, Transport Québec, the Ministère du Tourisme and Canada Economic Development.

A non-profit organization founded in 1979 and the Ministère du Tourisme's key consultant on accessibility matters, Kéroul works in conjunction with the private and public sectors. Its mission is to increase the accessibility of tourism and cultural infrastructures for people with limited physical ability. The creator of The Accessible Road, Kéroul received the prestigious Ulysses Award 2011 from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).