Honoured for her commitment to Accessible Tourism, Ileana’s work promotes inclusivity and ensures tourism becomes open and enriching for travellers of all abilities.
Building a Truly Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem in Campania
Ileana Esposito receives the Skål Europe Sustainable Tourism Award in Accessible Tourism for her exceptional leadership in transforming accessibility into a systemic, scalable and community-driven model for the entire Campania region. Through the integrated work of D.A.M.A. Consulting, Campania for All, and the social cooperative Cosy for You, she has pioneered an approach that redesigns tourism experiences and territorial planning to ensure that every traveller—regardless of ability—can enjoy meaningful, safe and barrier-free journeys.
Her work is built on a clear principle: accessible tourism is not a niche service dedicated only to people with disabilities, but a structural dimension of quality tourism that benefits seniors, families, travellers with temporary mobility needs, and visitors who require clearer communication. Under her guidance, accessibility becomes as fundamental as safety, mobility, sustainability and interpretation of cultural heritage.
A Dual Approach: Making Destinations Ready and Experiences Reliable
Ileana’s model is based on two coordinated tracks:
B2C – Accessible Itineraries
This track focuses on creating real, bookable experiences through:
- detailed technical mapping of physical, sensory, cognitive and organisational accessibility;
- selection of suitable sites and creation of seamless itineraries;
- operational testing with travellers with different needs;
- development of protocols for safe and inclusive accompaniment;
- production of clear, accessible communication materials, including immersive content.
B2B – Transforming the Tourism Supply Chain
This parallel track ensures that destinations are structurally capable of supporting accessible tourism by providing:
- accessibility audits for businesses, museums and public institutions;
- improvement plans and guidance for structural adjustments;
- staff training on communication, welcoming practices and emergency management;
- certification of accessible structures;
- integration of businesses into a regional accessibility network;
- support for operators in obtaining funding for improvements.
This integrated method guarantees that accessible tourism is not episodic but becomes an enduring part of the territory’s identity and competitiveness.
Transforming Campania Into an Inclusive Tourism Region
Through major regional projects, such as Una D.A.M.A. per la Campania and Turismo Mari e Monti, Ileana Esposito has enabled a profound transformation in the region’s tourism landscape.
Her achievements include:
- accessible itineraries across Naples, the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts, Irpinia and Sannio;
- immersive 360° digital experiences that help travellers evaluate accessibility before booking;
- training programmes that prepare tourism professionals and include people with disabilities as future guides and assistants;
- a regional accessibility brand and platform, CampaniaForAll, offering verified information, certified services and curated itineraries;
- strong partnerships with municipalities, universities, cultural institutions, associations and private operators.
The result is a growing ecosystem where accessibility is understood, shared and managed collectively by all territorial actors.
Economic, Social and Cultural Benefits
Under Ileana’s direction, accessible tourism becomes a driver of sustainable development. The model delivers:
- increased visitor numbers and higher average spending;
- greater visitor loyalty and year-round tourism flows;
- stronger destination branding and international visibility;
- support for small and medium enterprises;
- alignment with sustainable development goals and access to new funding opportunities.
By improving inclusivity, the region also enhances its cultural identity and social cohesion, ensuring that every resident and visitor can participate in the life of the territory.
A European Example of Inclusive Tourism Innovation
Ileana Esposito’s work positions Skål Napoli and the Campania region as leaders in accessible tourism in Europe. Her vision demonstrates that accessibility is not a cost, but a catalyst for innovation, regeneration and shared prosperity. Thanks to her commitment, Campania is becoming a place where tourism is truly designed for all — predictable, safe, welcoming and emotionally meaningful.
