What is it?
UNI/PdR 131 - developed by experts from the Ministry of Tourism, Accredia, UNI and conformity assessment bodies - establishes the minimum requirements for the accessibility of services provided by tourist accommodation, spa, seaside and sports facilities.The UNI/PdR 131 certification aims to guarantee the accessibility and use of the facilities with autonomy, comfort and safety for all, making, where necessary, the appropriate adaptation actions, and thus allowing an inclusive and accessible offer .
These parameters concern different and specific areas:
- transport
- urban and rural tourist spaces
- recreational activities
- MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions)
- accommodation facilities
- food & beverage
- sports facilities
The budget for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 is 6 million euros.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism has issued a public notice establishing the procedures for the creation of a list of certification bodies to which hotels, spas, beach resorts and sports facilities can turn to obtain the necessary certification.
CSQA , through the CONFORMA association, participated in the working group dedicated to the drafting of this reference practice and therefore offers a competent and high added value certification service.
Key points
UNI/PdR 131:2023 has a practical approach and focuses on accredited certification as a tool for differentiation and competitiveness , in compliance with the principles and techniques of “design for all”.There are three appendices to complete the Practice:
- Appendix A : contains recommendations for accessibility certification;
- Appendix B : contains a checklist for carrying out audits (some of the requirements included in it are essential for the release of the certification);
- Appendix C – Provides a sample audit report.
Advantages
An organization can derive numerous benefits from the Certification for Accessibility of accommodation facilities and sports facilities in compliance with UNI/PdR 131:2023, such as:- Improve your company's reputation by meeting customer and stakeholder expectations.
- Access the fund provided by Budget Law no. 234 of 30 December 2021, intended for the implementation of interventions for accessibility to the tourist offer of people with disabilities for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
- Improving the organization's social performance
- Combining accessibility certification with tourism sustainability certification ( ISO 21401 standard)
- Adopt tools for implementing diversity and inclusion (D&I) policies that can also be communicated through the company's sustainability report.