The travel and tourism industry in India is being exposed to the need and opportunity of Accessible Tourism. While this aspect was touched upon in the previous cover story, the important step forward, once the awareness is created, is for the industry to start formulating and implementing plans to tap this segment. However, the moot question which arises is, are we ready to provide services for this particular segment?
The needs of Accessible Tourism, broadly defined as a set of services and facilities for individuals with specific needs that may include the disabled, elderly people, pregnant women, parents with children or people with temporary disabilities, has been voiced by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) India and various Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) like Samartayam (a civic body and National Centre for Accessible Environments), AccessAbility (Universal Design and Disability Employment Specialist), Svayam (organisation for people with reduced mobility), National Association of the Blind, etc. |