DESTINATIONS MYTH-BUSTING ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
ASK THE EXPERT
Lynne Kirby, managing director, Enable Holidays “The key to meeting a disabled customer’s requirements is to find out exactly what the customer is looking for. This means establishing the customer’s level of disability, and not being afraid to ask questions to get a good understanding of the challenges they face. It’s always wise to be transparent at the outset, by drawing attention to any barriers so the customer can make an informed choice. Specialist accessible holiday operators can source the best adapted rooms, liaise with airports and airlines, and provide adapted transfers, equipment hire in resort, and in some cases, nursing care. Disability is very wide-ranging so it will never be a situation of one size fits all.”
Vietnam Airlines has introduced 80 wheelchairs for use across its airports in Vietnam, and allows free carriage of personal wheelchairs and guide dogs on all domestic and international flights. UK & Ireland general manager Le Thanh Dzung says: “With the newly enhanced facilities and services we have introduced throughout airports in Vietnam, visitors from the UK can expect the same world-class levels of comfort, convenience and care that they find at UK airports. What’s more, the next-generation aircraft – such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – are designed to accommodate the needs of passengers with reduced mobility.” Let’s also remember that not all disabled people are wheelchair users. In fact, according to research by the University of St Andrews, a mere 8% of disabled people use wheelchairs. Special assistance is also available to the elderly and people who have difficulty with social interaction or communication such as autism and ADHD.
Vietnam Airlines has 80 wheelchairs for use across its airports in Vietnam
It doesn’t require special training but it’s important to understand your client’s needs and not make any assumptions
require research and planning, which is where a great travel agent comes into their own. The most important thing is to understand your client’s needs and not make any assumptions.” It’s worth reminding clients to bring
◗ YOU NEED TO BE TRAINED TO SELL TRAVEL TO DISABLED PEOPLE… You can’t be an expert in every type of disability, and there’s no need to be either. If you’re making a booking for a client with a disability, you’re already talking to the expert, as no one else knows more about their circumstances than they do. This might include medication, allergies, exacerbations and even pain management. Travel Counsellor Mandy Tait says: “Booking accessible travel doesn’t require special training but it does
medication in its original packaging as well as the contact details of their usual healthcare professionals. Communication is key, and the best way of anticipating your client’s needs is to be upfront with the operator or hotel about what they might require. That said, disability is very personal, so give clients the option to communicate their needs directly if they prefer.
◗ HOTELS CAN’T GUARANTEE ACCESSIBLE ROOMS… Accessible is a difficult term; a blind person may need an ‘accessible’ room but won’t necessarily be satisfied with a wide doorway or a wheelchair ramp as the solution to their challenges. More and more hotel chains are using the concept of universal design to make sure that they can suitably
62
travelweekly.co.uk 24 November 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76