Ecotur: The irresistible experience of accessible tours

Designed to guarantee comfort and maximum enjoyment for tourists with reduced mobility and other special needs, the Ecotur travel agency, in partnership with the Cubatram company, operates a fleet of panoramic electric vehicles for tourist tours.

The development of accessible tourism that promotes inclusion is a priority, especially in Havana, where panoramic day and night excursions are offered to explore the most emblematic sites of the national capital.

Aboard these electric vehicles—open minibuses—capable of charging via solar panels, Ecotur is setting new standards in eco-friendly travel, according to Bienvenidos magazine, which also highlights other advantages such as easy charging, quiet and smooth operation, lower maintenance costs, and minimal environmental impact.

The minibuses also include fans, audiovisual equipment, and wheelchair ramps. In addition, the agency facilitates the use of scooters for people with reduced mobility, ensuring comfortable travel to different destinations.

Available tours

With tours ranging from 2 to 6 hours, Cubatram offers an unmissable experience if you want to discover the most beautiful parts of Havana.

Pick-up is free at local meeting points, available every two hours, so the tour makes regular stops to pick up passengers, although hotel pick-up is possible for an additional fee. You must keep your ticket with the QR code as proof of payment and scan it before boarding.

Among the currently available options are the panoramic minibus tour with pick-up in Miramar; the route designed to be enjoyed at sunset; the tour of emblematic cultural sites; the expedition that delves into the history of the Cuban revolution; and the visit to the National Capitol Building.

The urgency of accessible tourism

Accessible tourism is both a challenge and an urgent need for the world. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it represents a market with enormous economic potential, as approximately 15% of the world’s population (more than 1.2 billion people) lives with some type of disability. If travel companions (family, friends or caregivers) are included, the potential market exceeds 2.5 billion travelers.

Europe leads in accessible tourism, with 28% of travelers having special needs, followed by the United States with more than 27 million annually, according to the Open Doors Organization.

The most frequent travel limitations, for which the industry must prepare, are reduced mobility (40%), including wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties; visual impairment (25%); hearing impairment (20%); and other conditions (15%), such as cognitive limitations (autism, Alzheimer’s) and chronic illnesses.

According to the UNWTO, the main barriers worldwide are usually transportation, accommodation, and access to information.