Developing the physical access on tourism for disabled people- Why and how?
Author: Venla Kupila
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Throughout the history the major culture has defined what is considered to be “normal†in societies. Furthermore usually, when marketing tourism, the campaigns feature people in full use of their faculties, disabled are rarely seen. This paper introduces why tourism industry should serve the needs of customers with disabilities better. Main abutments are the benefits for disabled, including mental and physical reasons and human rights. Remarkable are the benefits for tourism industry as well.
The World Health Organisation describes disability as any restriction of the performance of an activity, resulting from an impairment, in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. The biggest challenges for disabled people accessing tourism, are the barriers of transportation and inaccessible buildings. Not being able to move easily can be emotionally challenging, as it is a constant reminder of the dependent status. (Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C., 2004) Also travel planning information and the destination experience create own challenges. Moreover, when travelling by air or visiting other countries, a medical certification is needed. (Begum, 1996 cited by Swain J., et al. 2004)
Universally considered by many, access to tourism, it is rather seen as a luxury than as a right. However one reason, that separates tourism from other luxuries of life, is that it has been proved that regular holidays have positive impacts on wellbeing. Travelling is good for one’s mental health as on a holiday there is a chance to relax and rest, which have a positive impact on one’s mood. When travelling, the changes in climate can also be beneficial physically, for example for people suffering allergies. Participating tourism also reduces social isolation as you face new situations and people. These things would be most beneficial for disabled people who perhaps feel more isolated, however they are usually the ones who are not able to access on tourism. This is why non-participation of holidays can be considered as a social policy issue with health and social care implications. Furthermore tourism has beneficial effects on society, employment and economic development at destination level. (Minnaert L., Maitland R., Miller G., 2013)
Having a holiday should be considered as a social right. According to The Declaration on Human Rights of United Nations everyone should have the right to freedom and relaxation. Tourism industry also has various codes of conduct, for example National Accessible Standards for accommodation and Incapacitated Passengers Handling Guide of 1981. The aim of these is to make sure that disabled people would have easier access on tourism. (Degener and Koster-Dreese, cited by Swain J. et al. 2004)
It is estimated that the number of disabled people will grow significantly. However tourism practitioners have not considered this group as a competitive market segment, even though they should. There are 100 million people in the world who would travel more if tourism destinations were more accessible and reasonable assistance would be available. (Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I., 2012) There is a definite ignorance, surrounding disability amongst many people working in leisure industries that cannot be explained simply with reference to access. (Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C., 2004) Remarkable is that travelers with disabilities are known to be very brand loyal. By bringing accessibility and tourism together it is possible to create a competitive and social value to the market.
During the years, the physical accessibility on tourism have been notified in a relatively small scope. It gives extra value for tourism destinations when the environment is designed correctly. There are several factors in accessibility that people with disabilities would change to better, for example motorized drape pulls and multidirectional doors. (Darcy, 2009) Already by developing existing facilities, change could be done. The design of accessible destination requires a “smart†approach, known as Design-for-All or Universal Design, in which the needs of the widest range of users are taken into account. (Center for Universal Design, cited by Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I., 2012) Social tourism is one helpful concept on accessible tourism, however as social tourism primarily focuses on economical side of accessibility issue, it cannot alone solve physical barriers.
National tourism boards play a critical role in raising awareness and in promoting the destination as welcoming to all. Fortunately, little by little, disability tourism is getting more attention. However still, for example most of the airlines permit narrow aisles and mandate no accessible lavatory and this could be seen as holding back access worldwide. For the purpose of making tourism more accessible, the disability should be seen. Only by knowing what we are dealing with, we can develop the industry better for everyone. The fact is, the world is changing and tourism industry has to change with it. As every customer is different, also the range of tourism products should be diverse.
References:
Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C. (2004) Disabling Barriers- Enabling Environments. Sage Publications. Second edition. Wiltshire UK.
Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I. (2012) Best practice in accessible tourism- Inclusion, Disability, Ageing Population and Tourism. Channel View Publications. Bristol UK.
Minnaert L., Maitland R., Miller G. (2013) Social Tourism Perspectives and Potential. Routledge. Oxon.
The World Health Organisation describes disability as any restriction of the performance of an activity, resulting from an impairment, in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. The biggest challenges for disabled people accessing tourism, are the barriers of transportation and inaccessible buildings. Not being able to move easily can be emotionally challenging, as it is a constant reminder of the dependent status. (Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C., 2004) Also travel planning information and the destination experience create own challenges. Moreover, when travelling by air or visiting other countries, a medical certification is needed. (Begum, 1996 cited by Swain J., et al. 2004)
Universally considered by many, access to tourism, it is rather seen as a luxury than as a right. However one reason, that separates tourism from other luxuries of life, is that it has been proved that regular holidays have positive impacts on wellbeing. Travelling is good for one’s mental health as on a holiday there is a chance to relax and rest, which have a positive impact on one’s mood. When travelling, the changes in climate can also be beneficial physically, for example for people suffering allergies. Participating tourism also reduces social isolation as you face new situations and people. These things would be most beneficial for disabled people who perhaps feel more isolated, however they are usually the ones who are not able to access on tourism. This is why non-participation of holidays can be considered as a social policy issue with health and social care implications. Furthermore tourism has beneficial effects on society, employment and economic development at destination level. (Minnaert L., Maitland R., Miller G., 2013)
Having a holiday should be considered as a social right. According to The Declaration on Human Rights of United Nations everyone should have the right to freedom and relaxation. Tourism industry also has various codes of conduct, for example National Accessible Standards for accommodation and Incapacitated Passengers Handling Guide of 1981. The aim of these is to make sure that disabled people would have easier access on tourism. (Degener and Koster-Dreese, cited by Swain J. et al. 2004)
It is estimated that the number of disabled people will grow significantly. However tourism practitioners have not considered this group as a competitive market segment, even though they should. There are 100 million people in the world who would travel more if tourism destinations were more accessible and reasonable assistance would be available. (Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I., 2012) There is a definite ignorance, surrounding disability amongst many people working in leisure industries that cannot be explained simply with reference to access. (Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C., 2004) Remarkable is that travelers with disabilities are known to be very brand loyal. By bringing accessibility and tourism together it is possible to create a competitive and social value to the market.
During the years, the physical accessibility on tourism have been notified in a relatively small scope. It gives extra value for tourism destinations when the environment is designed correctly. There are several factors in accessibility that people with disabilities would change to better, for example motorized drape pulls and multidirectional doors. (Darcy, 2009) Already by developing existing facilities, change could be done. The design of accessible destination requires a “smart†approach, known as Design-for-All or Universal Design, in which the needs of the widest range of users are taken into account. (Center for Universal Design, cited by Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I., 2012) Social tourism is one helpful concept on accessible tourism, however as social tourism primarily focuses on economical side of accessibility issue, it cannot alone solve physical barriers.
National tourism boards play a critical role in raising awareness and in promoting the destination as welcoming to all. Fortunately, little by little, disability tourism is getting more attention. However still, for example most of the airlines permit narrow aisles and mandate no accessible lavatory and this could be seen as holding back access worldwide. For the purpose of making tourism more accessible, the disability should be seen. Only by knowing what we are dealing with, we can develop the industry better for everyone. The fact is, the world is changing and tourism industry has to change with it. As every customer is different, also the range of tourism products should be diverse.
References:
Swain J., French S., Barnes C., Thomas C. (2004) Disabling Barriers- Enabling Environments. Sage Publications. Second edition. Wiltshire UK.
Buhalis D., Darcy S., Ambrose I. (2012) Best practice in accessible tourism- Inclusion, Disability, Ageing Population and Tourism. Channel View Publications. Bristol UK.
Minnaert L., Maitland R., Miller G. (2013) Social Tourism Perspectives and Potential. Routledge. Oxon.