Jul22493 15. For elderly or physically impaired individuals, the logistics of travelling can sometimes make it feel like more trouble than it is worth. But there is so much out there to see and do, and everyone deserves a carefree holiday where they can enjoy themselves without having to worry about getting from place to place. This is something that videlis Seniorenreisen e.V., a travel company based in Germany, has been making possible since 1991, supported by an ambitious board and dedicated volunteers. Managing Director Holger Kähler caught up with us on the back of this recognition. A leading tour operator for seniors and people with disabilities, videlis is a non-profit organisation delivering group holidays for those who are unable to travel alone. Every trip it delivers is done so with an accompanying team of volunteers who support guests with everything they may need a helping hand with over the course of their holiday, from carrying luggage and pushing wheelchairs to getting food at the buffet. All of the hotels and venues selected for every trip are accessible and step-free. The trips that videlis offers are done so primarily to Germany and other Germanspeaking regions, but they have previously run trips to Italy, as well as a Danube River cruise and flights to Southern Europe. Holger and the team here are currently in the midst of planning what is perhaps their most ambitious trip to date: a barrier-free journey along the Hurtigruten public coastal route to the North Cape in Norway. Exploring this further, Holger told us: “By taking a wheelchair-accessible bus along the route, we are ensuring everyone can take part in the shore excursions and explore the beauty of Norway, whilst enjoying the typical comfort and service of a videlis trip. We are confident that we will be able to offer this trip for the first time in 2026.” Like every holiday it offers, this will come complete with the nationwide, door-to-door, pick-up/drop-off service that truly helps set videlis apart in this dynamic landscape. Of course, as Holger told us, this is just the beginning. “As of today, there are still only a few tour operators specialising in accessible travel”, he explained. “And, with over 35 years of experience to our name, our expertise in this niche field remains almost unmatched. We can cater specifically to travellers who not only need barrier-free infrastructure but also require personal assistance throughout their entire journey.” Given that videlis is in a league of its own when it comes to enabling people to travel – regardless of age or disability – and promoting accessible infrastructure, it is no surprise that the team here must overcome a number of unique challenges. For example, there remains a shortage of suitable accommodation (especially for larger groups), despite the target audience growing. With businesses being slow to realise that disabled people could be a loyal customer group with significant purchasing power, videlis’ advocacy work is far from over. This drive for providing assisted holidays for people with disabilities and accessible travel for seniors is something that is incredibly personal for this non-profit, accessible tour operator, with its CEO himself being a wheelchair user. Thus, to ensure that the company upholds its accessible claims, this CEO visits every hotel before it becomes part of the programme. Moreover, the team go to great lengths to understand every traveller’s unique requirements, before sharing these with venues to make sure these are taken care of on arrival. “Our volunteers receive regular training and meet with us before each trip to go through all details about the destination and the specific needs of the guests. During the trip our office team remain available 24 hours a day to support the volunteers.” On the back of its encompassing service, videlis is excited to share its plans for expansion, where it will showcase itself not only as experts for its German clientele, but also as a reliable partner for accessible incoming tourism in Germany. Thanks to the blend of its wheelchair-friendly bus and extensive knowledge of all the best destinations, the team here are promoting a brighter future for barrier-free group travel in Germany, resulting in videlis’ recognition as the Best Accessible Travel Company 2025 – DACH in this issue. More information about all the comprehensive travel solutions for seniors and people with disabilities afforded by videlis Seniorenreisen e.V. can be found by following the link below. Contact: Holger Kähler Company: videlis Seniorenreisen e.V. Web Address: https://www.videlis.de/ Best Accessible Travel Company 2025 – DACH
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