Inclusive Tourism: Towards an Awareness of Professionals

IN BRIEF

Inclusive tourism: A crucial challenge for accessibility.
Level of awareness of the law still low among professionals.
Better awareness among certified actors (34% concerned).
Importance of adequate support for the leisure and vacations of people with disabilities.
Inspiring initiatives shared by committed actors.
Awareness days on inclusion organized regularly.
Priority objective: to make vacations accessible to all.
Barriers faced by people with disabilities in the sector.
Assistance in obtaining the Tourism & Disability label for professionals.

The tourism sector is a vector of escape and discovery, but it still faces a major challenge: accessibility for people with disabilities. Although progress has been made, awareness among tourism professionals remains insufficient. This article explores this issue, existing initiatives, and the expectations of people with disabilities regarding inclusivity.

A concerning state of affairs #

Despite efforts to improve the welcome for people with disabilities, the level of awareness on this topic among sector professionals remains low. A market study reveals that only 34% of certified tourism actors feel truly concerned by accessibility issues. This lack of understanding is reflected in infrastructures that do not meet the needs of disabled tourists, thus limiting their access to numerous offerings.

Inspiring initiatives to follow #

Several actors in the sector are beginning to engage in a positive dynamic regarding inclusive tourism. The second part of the debate on tourism and disability highlighted several exemplary initiatives aimed at inspiring and shaping sector practices. These actions, led by professionals aware of accessibility issues, demonstrate that it is possible to realize projects that are adapted to and respectful of the needs of disabled individuals.

The importance of support and resources #

Organizing accessible leisure and vacations for people with disabilities requires adequate support. Professionals must be trained to understand the different types of disabilities, as well as the specific expectations of tourists. Resources such as the Tourism & Disability labels enable sector actors to train and improve their quality of service. However, the road is still long to guarantee universal accessibility in every destination.

The expectations of people with disabilities #

The expectations of people with disabilities are clear: they want to enjoy vacations on an equal footing with others. The Secretary of State for Tourism emphasizes the importance of making all aspects of travel accessible, regardless of the type of disability. Therefore, professionals must double their efforts to integrate these expectations into their offerings and thus provide a satisfactory travel experience.

Support for collective initiatives #

Solidarity within the tourism sector is essential to change mindsets. Events like the one organized by CCISM, in collaboration with partners such as Agefiph, show the importance of sharing ideas and best practices. These events create a network of committed actors for inclusion, fostering enriching exchanges and fruitful collaborations.

Towards collective awareness #

It is essential to raise awareness among all sector actors about the importance of accessibility. As initiatives multiply and best practices spread, it becomes crucial to strengthen collective awareness. By integrating disability into their strategy, tourism professionals can not only broaden their clientele but also contribute to a more inclusive society.