The OSSATE project aims to implement a prototype multi-platform, multi-lingual digital information service providing national and regional content on Accessible Tourist Venues, Sites and Accommodation, initially from 2 EU Member States: Greece and the UK.
The service will deliver information via an accessible (WAI-compliant) Web portal and via mobile phones, using smart phone technology (WAP, MMS, LBS, GPRS) and standard text messaging services.
The prototype will be demonstrated both as an independent service (freely available on the Web) and as an integrated service which can be offered for use on third-party Web sites, in information kiosks, travel agents and tourist bureau's, or delivered direct to tourists on their mobile phones. The service targets primarily - but not exclusively - Europe's 45 million disabled citizens and their families.
Starting in January 2005, the project will identify and employ a common set of protocols and standards to enable search and retrieval of standardised data on accessibility of the physical environment, facilities and services offered by providers.
Tourist organisations and individual providers will eventually be able to input their own data directly to the system. Procedures for verifying data against the physical and service provisions at regional and national levels will be proposed and tested in the field. This feature will give enhanced reliability of information and will provide a model for the long-term sustainability of the service, encouraging an upward spiral of accessibility improvements at venues and sites.
OSSATE will invite European stakeholder groups to take part in the refinement, testing and planning of EU-wide deployment of the service.
Particular focus will be placed on branding, design and promotion of the service, so as to ensure its broad recognition and acceptance as a trusted, useful and reliable source of information for the tourism sector and its users throughout Europe.
The project is co-funded by the European Commission “eContent” programme. See: http://www.cordis.lu/econtent