Accessible tourism: Difference between revisions
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* Inaccessible streets (cars parking in the stepwalk, etc) |
* Inaccessible streets (cars parking in the stepwalk, etc) |
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* Lack of disability equipment rental (wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet raisers, electric scooters) |
* Lack of disability equipment rental (wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet raisers, electric scooters) |
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So far the tourism industry has hardly recognized the potential and the value of barrier free or inclusive tourism design. As long as the tourism industry will not realize that barrier-free tourism is an indicator for quality and competitive advantage, it does not attract the considerable market-share of the growing customer base comprised of disabled people, elderly people and all citizens demanding accessibility. |
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== Brief History == |
== Brief History == |
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Improvements in medicine have allowed disabled people to live longer; improvements in equipment such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or speaking computers allow people with disabilities to be more active; [[entrepreneurs]] and other risk-takers with or without disabilities have started travel agencies, sports leagues, and outdoor expeditions providing better and better conditions towards a good life and equality in opportunities. |
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Europe and United States of America share the majority of the existing companies in this niche. However, around the world many companies start to appear as the result of a growing need, pushed also by the senior tourism - a tendency verified in all developed countries due to a growing life expectancy age. |
Europe and United States of America share the majority of the existing companies in this niche. However, around the world many companies start to appear as the result of a growing need, pushed also by the senior tourism - a tendency verified in all developed countries due to a growing life expectancy age. |
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Countries like Portugal, Spain, UK, Germany, France and north European countries are prepared to receive tourists in wheelchairs, as well as providing disability equipment and wheelchair accessible transport. |
Countries like Portugal, Spain, UK, Germany, France and north European countries are prepared to receive tourists in wheelchairs, as well as providing disability equipment and wheelchair accessible transport. |
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Revision as of 12:31, 10 June 2007
In 2003 this niche represented more than 50 million disabled persons in Europe, and more than 500 milions around the world.[1]
Senior tourism and temporary accidents (broken leg, etc) also take part in this niche. All together they represent a huge market with new investment opportunities and new service requirements, usually not provided by the regular travel agencies.[2]
Usual problems found by the disabled tourist when booking a holiday:
- Accessible airport transfer
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Well adapted hotel rooms
- Proffessional staff capable of informing and advising about accessibility issues
- Reliable information about a especific atraction´s accessibility (churche, castle, exibition, etc)
- Adapted WC´s in restaurants and public places
- Accessible restaurants, bars, etc
- Inaccessible streets (cars parking in the stepwalk, etc)
- Lack of disability equipment rental (wheelchairs, bath chairs, toilet raisers, electric scooters)
Brief History
Europe and United States of America share the majority of the existing companies in this niche. However, around the world many companies start to appear as the result of a growing need, pushed also by the senior tourism - a tendency verified in all developed countries due to a growing life expectancy age. Countries like Portugal, Spain, UK, Germany, France and north European countries are prepared to receive tourists in wheelchairs, as well as providing disability equipment and wheelchair accessible transport.
External links
References
- ^ Daniel Pérez (2003). "turismo accesible".
- ^ Luis Varela da Silva (2006). "Accessible Portugal".