Know Accessible Tourism

Leisure activities that enrich our lives are often inaccessible to disabled persons. These activities may include sports, travel, shopping, and nights out. Similar challenges are faced by senior citizens and people with temporary disabilities. To enable these groups to enjoy these enriching activities, accessible tourism has been introduced. Accessible tourism makes it easier for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those with temporary disabilities to fully enjoy tourism experiences. These individuals may face special needs while traveling from one place to another. Accessible tourism helps enrich the lives of all those who face such challenges.

Growing Demand for Accessible Tourism

Although accessible tourism is a relatively new concept, its demand grows every year. According to the United Nations, around 10% of the world’s population is disabled. Additionally, there is a growing global population of people aged 65 and above, who also benefit from accessible tourism. Travelers requiring accessible tourism often travel with caretakers, increasing the number of travelers per trip. Making tourism accessible to disabled and older people presents a significant opportunity. It helps attract more travelers at once rather than being a mere obligation to develop infrastructure. Moreover, accessible tourism benefits the entire tourism industry by boosting the economy and creating jobs. It also empowers people with disabilities while ensuring equal access.

Common Problems Faced by Disabled Travelers

One of the major problems faced by disabled travelers is the lack of reliable information. This includes details about accessible accommodations, airport facilities, and wheelchair-accessible local transportation. Travelers may also lack information about accessibility at specific tourist sites, availability of accessible toilets and restaurants, and essential aids such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, and toilet raisers.

According to a UN-ESCAP report on Barrier-Free Tourism, significant issues to make tourism accessible include travel planning information, accessible transportation, accessible accommodation, and destination experiences.

Importance of Planning in Accessible Tourism

Proper planning is essential to develop accessible tourism effectively. Travelers should have access to detailed information about the accessibility of venues and sites in the cities they visit. Knowledge about local transport systems and their accessibility, along with barrier-free features of hotels, is vital. Experiences shared by other disabled or elderly travelers also help in making informed travel decisions.

Scope for Tour Operators

Tour operators must recognize the growing scope of accessible tourism. As businesses aiming to maximize profits, they should consider this market segment seriously. Referencing global trends can help them understand the potential of accessible tourism.

How Many People with Disabilities Travel?

Studies have shown that a significant portion of travelers have some form of disability. For example, a 1985 study estimated that 13% of all travelers in the US had some form of disability. Another 1980 study found that 10% of respondents in South Carolina had gone on trips with a party member who had a physical or mental condition.

While travelers with disabilities may travel less frequently than the general population, they still contribute substantially to the tourism economy. The 2004 OSSATE research by the European Union estimated that tourists with disabilities contribute €80 billion to the economy.

Research and Economic Impact

According to ENAT in 2009, overnight trips made by or accompanied by someone with a health condition or impairment contributed nearly £1 billion to the English domestic visitor economy in just six months, accounting for 5.7 million trips. These figures highlight the importance of considering people with access needs, who made up 12% of all overnight domestic trips in that period.

Accessible Tourism in Nepal

Accessible tourism is still in its early stages in Nepal. Although the concept is understood, its implementation remains limited. A group consisting of people with disabilities, activists, researchers, and tour operators plan to hold a daylong preliminary workshop to raise awareness about accessible tourism among tour operators and relevant stakeholders. If the government supports this initiative, a more extensive program may be organized on World Tourism Day, September 27. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day celebration is “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility.”

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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash