The Hospitality Department of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, headed by councilor Armando Santana, has prepared an internal report, a diagnostic study aimed at analyzing the situation of accessibility in bars, cafes, and restaurants in Lanzarote and La Graciosa, as well as identifying the main challenges in the HORECA sector regarding inclusion.
The report, which is preliminary in nature, notes that while some progress has been made in physical accessibility in certain establishments, measures related to sensory and cognitive accessibility continue to be improvable. Furthermore, a need for more specific staff training in assisting people with different types of disabilities has been identified.
Councilor Santana has detailed that the report, titled *Friendly Space*, **does not have a punitive nature**, but rather constitutes an analysis and guidance tool that will allow the island institution to define future lines of action, in collaboration with the sector and specialized entitiesFor his part, the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, has emphasized that "the work carried out by the Hospitality Department responds to a clear vision of supporting a strategic sector, synonymous with employment, training, and opportunities... In this term, we have placed people at the center of public policies, and that translates into innovative initiatives that strengthen inclusion, consolidating Lanzarote as the Island of Care."
Based on the conclusions of the *Espacio Amigo* report, the Cabildo of Lanzarote plans to **promote training, technical advice, and institutional cooperation** to progressively improve accessibility in the HORECA sector (referring to hotel, restaurant, and catering companies), fostering an inclusive culture and establishing monitoring mechanisms to evaluate progress and recognize good practices."Accessibility is a key element for moving towards a fairer, more competitive hospitality model aligned with the values of equality and quality that Lanzarote champions as a destination," stated Armando Santana.
By producing this report, the Cabildo de Lanzarote continues to add actions for the improvement of the HORECA sector and the construction of a more accessible island, ensuring that all people can enjoy the hospitality offerings on equal terms.