Juist: Tourist information once again certified for accessibility!

Juist: Tourist information once again certified for accessibility!

On May 22, 2025, the tourist information centers in the town hall and harbor on the island of Juist were re-certified as part of the “Travel for All” program. These two locations are among the most frequently visited tourist destinations on the island. Benita Martin, the tourist information team leader, said she was pleased about the renewal of the certification, which is valid for a period of three years. The aim of the initiative is to promote inclusion and ensure barrier-free facilities.

The step-free entrances to the tourist information centers and a door width of at least 90 cm, which makes access easier for people with mobility restrictions, were particularly positively highlighted. In addition, signage and clearly designed information are of great importance for certification. In order to meet the various requirements, at least one employee of the tourist information office must have completed special training on accessibility.

Points of criticism and suggestions for improvement

Despite the positive assessment, there were also some criticisms during the exams. It was noted that information in plain language and Braille was missing and that there were no visual warning signals. The Juist spa administration has announced that it will examine the suggestions for improvement. A look at the numbers shows that around 10 million people in Germany have a disability, 10% of whom rely on accessible information. Another 40% find this a valuable addition.

The Juist spa administration has already provided information on accessibility on its website to make it easier for those affected to plan their trips. “Travel for All” is the first nationwide label for barrier-free tourism offerings in Germany. The criteria for the certification were created through close cooperation between various tourism stakeholders and associations of people with disabilities.

Accessibility in Frankfurt

In parallel to the developments on Juist, the city of Frankfurt has also taken extensive measures to improve accessibility as part of the “Travel for All” initiative. Tourismus+Congress GmbH in Frankfurt am Main already offers information on barrier-free travel offers in the city. Frankfurt was officially recognized as a “accessibility-tested tourism location” after at least 21 tourist offerings and one tourist information center were certified. Over 30 offers in Frankfurt now bear the corresponding seal.

The “Travel for All” system was introduced on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and developed in collaboration with associations of people with disabilities. During certification, information on accessibility is systematically collected. Trained collectors record this data directly in the companies so that all the necessary information can be accessed online. This is intended to help guests decide more easily whether the offers are suitable for their needs.

These developments show that both Juist and Frankfurt are committed to creating an inclusive tourist environment where everyone can enjoy traveling and enjoying these places. The certifications are a step in the right direction and help to further improve accessibility in Germany.