DESTINATIONS QUESTIONS TO ASK ACCESSIBLE TOURISM
ASK THE EXPERTS
Philip Scott, managing director, Can Be Done
“Agents must never be afraid to tell a client if facilities aren’t available, but should offer a suitable alternative. We are more than happy to discuss options while the client is sitting with the agent.”
Niamh Duffy, PR manager, Limitless Travel “‘What is accessible for a person with limited mobility is different for a wheelchair user, for example. Don’t be afraid to ask clients about their care requirements – it is important for both the travel agent and the customer that they receive what they need from their holiday.”
Harry Wales, assistant manager, Air Viceroy, Kent “A villa gives you more space, but you’ve got to ask if it’s suitable for the type of disability you are dealing with. Being disabled myself, I would rather be asked questions so my holiday requirements are met. Just bite the bullet and ask; the customer will have all the answers.”
62
travelweekly.co.uk 14 December 2017
room where parents can comfort a child in distress.
w EASIER ATTRACTIONS Once you’ve got the travel and accommodation sorted, there’s still the matter of the holiday itself – if guests are to get the best out of their break, it pays to research accessible attractions. That should be easier to do
Remember other people are travelling too, so the focus of the trip shouldn’t be one client’s disability
on domestic breaks, as tourism suppliers start taking up the call from VisitEngland and VisitScotland to publish detailed accessibility guides online, outlining crucial details such as the width of doorways for wheelchair users and access for people with visual impairments. With research showing this market was worth £13.3 billion in England and Scotland in 2015 – covering day trips, overnights and longer stays – UK providers are recognising the potential value. Travellers need not fear more exotic
ABOVE LEFT: Houses of Parliament
ABOVE RIGHT: Erfurt, Germany
LEFT: InsideJapan accessible tour
destinations, however. This year, InsideJapan Tours added a 10-night Wheelchair-Accessible Golden Route, using selected accommodation and transport to ensure a seamless journey from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka (from £3,180, excluding flights). The Japan specialist has also introduced accessible street food tours in Tokyo and Kyoto which can be included in tailor-made itineraries. InsideJapan’s accessible travel specialist, Ali Muskett, says: “The most important factor to consider when putting together a holiday for a client with a disability is that every client will be different and have different requirements. Remember other people are travelling too, and the focus of the trip shouldn’t be the disability. We may be doing more in the background to make sure the trip runs smoothly, but ultimately the client is booking the holiday of a lifetime, just the same as anyone else we work with.”
PICTURES: VISITENGLAND/LUKE ROGERS; BARBARA NEUMANN
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
