Accessible travel and responsible travel are the focus of the fourth and final round table talk hosted by The Travel Tech Show at WTM and Amadeus – prompting eTNW to find out how equipped the local travel industry in South Africa is to handle the disabled market.
The event, which will take place in London from November 4-7, focuses on disabled and responsible travel. Ataxia South Wales chairman Alan Jones says the UK Government’s 2012 Legacy for Disabled People, Inclusive and Accessible Business report shows that the UK’s estimated 10,6 million disabled people have a combined annual spend on goods and services of up to £80 billion (R1 266bn).
“It is a big market out there,” he says. “What’s the travel industry doing about it? In a word – nothing.” Alan adds that as soon as he tries to book a holiday, many people in the industry see his wheelchair rather than the human being using it, leaving agents too embarrassed to deal with him.
Do you feel that there are enough structures and training in place to facilitate disabled clients? Write to us at etwneditor@nowmedia.co.za or leave a comment on Disqus.
