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Disability Issues
Dr Christine Peta
AS Zimbabwe joined the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27, it is important to delve into the critical intersection of disability and tourism.
There is need to examine how to make tourist destinations, products and services accessible to all.
This helps to ensure that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can fully participate in the tourism experience.
With approximately 15 percent of the global population living with disabilities, there is a vast untapped market within the tourism industry.
Creating universally accessible public and private tourist destinations, facilities and services is essential to ensure that this significant segment of the population can enjoy independent and dignified travel experiences.
By investing in accessibility, Zimbabwe can attract a larger share of the over one billion people with disabilities and their families, boosting visitor numbers and economic benefits.
The lack of wheelchair-accessible tourism facilities can create significant challenges for individuals with disabilities.
For example, wheelchair users may be forced to rely on others to lift them into restaurants or bathrooms, putting them at risk of inappropriate touching and compromising their dignity.
Inclusive tourism, on the other hand, ensures that travel experiences are accessible, welcoming and accommodating for all people, regardless of their abilities.
In September 2013, Zimbabwe ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which addresses issues of physical accessibility, information, transportation and other public services.
The UNCRPD also emphasises the importance of including persons with disabilities in cultural life, recreation, leisure, sports and tourism.
The National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe mandates that buildings, transportation and other facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, it requires relevant stakeholders, including tourism staff, to undergo training on accessibility issues for both physical infrastructure and information.
Travelling can be a daunting experience for people with disabilities worldwide. Finding accessible services, navigating airports and booking accommodation that meets their needs can be challenging, expensive and time-consuming.
To ensure that tourism is inclusive, it is essential to provide accessible booking services, airports, transfer facilities, hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, toilets, transportation, public spaces and information on assistive device rentals and tourist attractions.
It is crucial to recognise that accessible tourism is a fundamental human rights issue.
Moreover, investing in accessible tourism presents a significant opportunity to grow tourism businesses, benefitting not only individuals with disabilities and their families but also society as a whole.
Research indicates that approximately one in four people over the age of 60 has some form of disability. By prioritising accessible tourism, we can ensure that everyone, including older individuals, can actively participate in society.
Additionally, pregnant women and those who may experience temporary mobility impairments can also benefit from accessible tourism facilities.
Achieving a fully accessible country requires collaborative efforts involving diverse stakeholders, including the Government, individuals with disabilities and their families, representative organisations, the private sector and tour operators.
Successful tourism products are rooted in effective partnerships and cooperation across sectors at national, regional and international levels.
Online Reporter