Print this page
Accessible tourism focus under Coalition
0 comment

Accessible tourism focus under Coalition

 A State Coalition government will engage develop and promote an accessible tourism campaign and action plan for Victoria with a focus on highlighting disability friendly accommodation options.
 
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who is also the Shadow Minister for Disability, said tourist towns could benefit by giving more focus to the disability sector.
 
“Accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavour to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age,” he said.
 
“It benefits everyone. More people enjoy the opportunity to travel and the Australian tourism industry gets more visitors, longer seasons and potential new incomes.
 
“It’s not just physical disability, those on the autism spectrum are largely ignored by some in the tourism sector, not because they choose to, but because they are unaware of how to accommodate this demographic.
 
“However, the industry is starting to develop and promote their businesses to those families with Autistic members and we as a government can help facilitate awareness,” he said.
 
An estimated 20% of Australian adults have a disability or long time health condition. In addition, with an ageing population, accessible tourism is set to grow.
 
Shadow Tourism Minister, Heidi Victoria said accessible tourism is currently worth $10.8 million annually, this is in comparison to $10.2 million from the Chinese tourism market.
 
“The experts in the industry tell us, we need to have a shift in thinking in this space. We need to approach accessible tourism as a business opportunity with a clear business plan for Victoria and it needs to be mainstream.
 
“Tourism Australia is starting to make the move in this space, and others like Visit England have already demonstrated this approach works - and works well,” she said.
 
Research shows that travellers feel less stressed when they have more support in planning their experiences and they tend to return to destinations that have helped manage the stresses and uncertainties of travel and appear to have higher incidences of repeat visitation and were loyal customers.
 
By providing tourism operators with the knowledge and information required to sell their offering to this market, they will see a great economic return and happy returning guests.
 
Parts of the plan include regional workshops for businesses, mentoring in the field and accessible tourism awards.