Free Thematic Walk

During the research phase of good practices conducted by the Belgian partner in the In-Sit project, La Fédération Indépendante des Seniors (La FIS) emerged as a key example of Silver Tourism. This initiative offers both inclusive holidays and free thematic walks for seniors, promoting social inclusion, physical activity, and cultural exploration. The In-Sit project, which aims to enhance tourism opportunities for the elderly, highlighted these practices as a model for creating enriching and accessible travel experiences for seniors.

What sets La FIS apart is its tailored approach, offering holidays with three distinct levels of accessibility: easy, medium, and advanced. This allows seniors to choose trips that align with their physical capabilities, ensuring that each participant can enjoy the holiday without feeling limited by their mobility. Prior to departure, participants complete a medical form to ensure they are placed in a group that suits their needs, guaranteeing both comfort and safety throughout the journey.

In addition to holiday trips, La FIS organises free thematic walks around Belgium, led by enthusiastic volunteers. These walks explore themes such as ecology, sustainability, and local heritage, providing seniors with an opportunity to engage with their surroundings while enjoying low-impact physical activity. These walks not only promote health and well-being but also create opportunities for social interaction and community building.

The real strength of these initiatives lies in their ability to foster connections among participants. After each walk, seniors are encouraged to continue socialising by sharing a meal or a drink, enhancing their sense of community and belonging. Many seniors return year after year, drawn by the opportunity to participate in enjoyable, accessible, and socially rewarding activities.

La FIS’s efforts in Silver Tourism have been met with considerable success. Supported by the Wallonie-Bruxelles Federation and the Brussels-Capital Region, the organisation hosts four holidays and four thematic walks each year, with around 40 participants for holidays and 15 for walks. These initiatives have become a cornerstone of senior-friendly tourism in Belgium, providing valuable experiences that cater to the specific needs of elderly travellers.

This initiative, as observed in the In-Sit project, demonstrates the potential for other regions to implement similar practices in promoting accessible tourism for seniors. By prioritising inclusivity, La FIS shows that travel can be both enriching and accommodating, ensuring that seniors are able to fully enjoy their adventures in a way that respects their physical abilities and personal interests.