The Holiday Participation Centre, VISITFLANDERS

September 3rd, 2015 Geneviève Delefortrie

130,000 children (0-17 years)

15.3% (1,656,800 people) Of the Belgium population in poverty

9.8% In Flanders

19.6% family’s that are not able to afford one week’s holiday

21.7% children

Poverty in Flanders

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The importance of holidays

Relaxation

Mental and physical health

Social interactions and the strengthening of relationships

New experiences and skills

Independence and self-confidence

VISITFLANDERS (government)

The Holiday Participation Centre Public private cooperation

Tourism industry Social organisations 2000 partners

“ Social target groups with specific holiday barriers also form an important economic market, which is not sufficiently explored by tourist entrepreneurs. Tourism is for everyone, it creates more diversity in the holiday offer, prolongs the season and broadens the flow of income. Ben Weyts, Flemish Minister of Tourism

(newly combined) families

Single parents

People with health problems

Seniors

Etnic minorities

Young people and children (holiday camps)

Living groups

…

Target group Those facing barriers they cannot overcome alone

Promote offer: special rates provided by tourism partners to people in poverty, who for different reasons are unable to take a holiday

Tailor-made booking centre : contact point for holidaymakers, social organisations and holiday providers

Stimulate sustainable partnerships in the tourism industry

Explore the international context

Once a year, an event is organised were holiday

providers, desk staff, social organisations and holidaymakers were welcomed: Forum Holiday Participation

The Holiday Participation Centre

barr

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Overcome barriers

duration

Individual day trip

Group day trip, supervised

Supervised group holiday, supervisors

and participants known

Supervised group holiday, supervisors

and participants unknown

Individual holidays

Why do the partners in the tourism industry participate?

Eric and Dominique Jadoul-Gielen Hoeve Jadoul

We always place an information booklet about the Holiday Participation Centre in all our guest rooms. We think it is important that all customers know that we support the idea that ‘Holidays are for everyone’.

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Contribute to the right to go on holidays

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Why do the partners in the tourism industry participate?

We welcome everyone, including people with a disability or a tight budget. It’s a way for a company to show its true colours, reach more consumers, discover more opportunities, launch innovations and have a positive image.

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Corporate social responsibility

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REASON TO JOIN

FREE Promotion

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-in the holidays and day trip guide -on the website -in the newsletter -in the holiday makers information booklet

REASON TO JOIN

Extra occupancy during high and off seasons.

Flexibility in times and types of offer

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A decision that resulted in compliments, positive reactions and extra bookings.

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REASON TO JOIN

New public

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Lieven Holiday maker

My children’s best holiday memories are thanks to holiday participation centre.

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REASON TO JOIN

Discount = nett discount for consumer

(no commmissions or fees)

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e Marianne Schapmans

Director Holiday Participation Centre

We do not provide subsidies and do not ask for holidays free of charge. It is a question of pride: less advantaged people also want to pay for services just like everyone else.

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Holidays

Example: tourism partner Vayamundo

The Holiday Participation Centre VISITFLANDERS Grasmarkt 61 – 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 2 504 03 91 vakantieparticipatie@toerismevlaanderen.be www.vakantieparticipatie.be www.holidayparticipation.be www.visitflanders.com