The Secretary of State for Tourism and the ONCE Foundation have signed a collaboration agreement to develop a mobile application that guides pilgrims with visual disabilities on the Camino Frances de Santiago, and that may also be useful for people with reduced mobility or advanced age.
"It is an example of the application of technology in destinations and excellent news that allows improving the tourist experience of people with disabilities thanks to technology", has valued the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, from the Tourism Innovation Summit in Seville.
The CEO of Fundación ONCE, José Luis Martínez Donoso, has pointed out that “at a time as important as the present, events such as the celebration of the Xacobeo Year will be a boost for the economic recovery of the country. Facilitating the accessibility of the Camino Frances to Santiago will be one more attraction so that a greater number of people have the experience of knowing this World Heritage Site. Furthermore, we guarantee the access of people with disabilities to culture, as stated in the United Nations Convention ”.
Through this agreement, which is published this Thursday by the Official State Gazette (BOE), the Secretary of State for Tourism will make a financial contribution to the ONCE Foundation in the amount of 45,000 euros.
At the gates of Xacobeo 2021, this collaboration between the Secretary of State for Tourism and the ONCE Foundation will allow us to continue raising barriers and make it easier for everyone to enjoy an experience as unique as the one offered by the Camino de Santiago.
Notices, information and points of interest
The development of this App is part of the ‘Camino de Santiago: Your companion on the Camino’ project, which aims to provide tourist information in an accessible way for all pilgrims, regardless of their abilities, along the entire route.
The application will guide the user on their journey, anticipating the characteristics of the terrain at each stage and the possible presence of dangers or obstacles, such as crossroads, slopes or adverse weather events.
It will also guide you with respect to the direction and direction of travel and will inform you about the points of interest that you will find on the Camino, from fountains, public transport stops and rest areas, to accommodation, shops and restaurants, passing by monuments, tourist offices, pharmacies and first aid or health centers, to name a few examples.
