Author name here for Edited books Chapter 17 Inclusive Travel, Tourism, and Amusements 17 Inclusive Travel, Tourism, and Amusements chapter Alison Voight and Shu Cole

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. –St. Augustine

Inclusive Travel Travel: leaving one’s usual area of residence to proceed to another destination Tourists –Travel for pleasure, not business –Spend at least one night away from home –Not more than six months (or one year internationally) Inclusive travel: accommodation of all persons during the period of time, or travel, from their residence to a tourist destination

Inclusive Tourism Tourism is an interrelated system: –Tourists –The associated services Inclusive tourism –Business practices and tourism development efforts that provide travel opportunities for all people –Essence of inclusive tourism is to design and develop travel services that are accessible for all

The use of an interpreter for sign language for the deaf can create a more inclusive tourism experience.

Disability Statistics and Tourism Spending power –Americans with disabilities have four times the spending power of American teens –Spend $13.6 billion annually on travel –Market is largely untapped Despite these facts... –Only 31.7 million trips were made by people with disabilities in 2002 –Compared to the total number of 1.9 billion

Inclusive Amusements Amusements: activities sought for enjoyment and recreation Common examples: –Theme parks and water parks –Video arcades –Cinemas, carnivals, and miniature golf Inclusive amusements refers to the provision of these services to all people

Accommodations: Lodging Never assume lodging is truly accessible. Contact the hotel manager to verify. Ask for specific accessible amenities. Inform hotel staff regarding accommodations. Ensure availability of accessible lodging. When traveling internationally, be especially thorough in verifying accommodation. Understand the needs of specific disability groups.

Accommodations: Transportation Considerations: –Boarding or path of travel at the point of departure –Accessibility of the vehicle –Deboarding or path of travel on arrival Explore unique needs of the individual –They may have difficulty with transfers –They may need extra time –They may require alternative forms of communication

Accommodations: Dining and Food Facility access and inclusive environments Alternative-format menus Alternative menu choices –Meal restrictions due to allergies or health issues –Meal restrictions due to cultural or religious factors Accommodation for service animals

Accommodations: Amusements Review their online policies. Contact the venue ahead of time. Explore options for accommodation. Large and established amusement parks should have policies and procedures in place for making their parks and facilities as accessible as possible.

Personal Barriers Lack of knowledge Social skills Physical or psychological dependency Lack of skills Health problems

Attitudinal Barriers Created by others Perceptions of difference make service providers wary Types of attitudinal barriers: –Perceptual barriers –Omission barriers –Paternalistic barriers

Communication Barriers Occur when a person cannot understand or communicate with another person Possible contributing factors: –Sensory impairments –Cognitive limitations –Language barriers

Access Rights Four main areas of accessibility 1. Entrances 2. Parking 3. Ramps and routes 4. Restrooms Accessibility vs. usability

Seven Principles of Universal Design Equitable use Flexibility of use Simple and intuitive use Low physical effort Perceptible information Tolerance for error Size and space for approach and use

International Legislation Tourism professionals must be familiar with legislation in other countries Not all countries have legislation in place Examples of international law: –China –United Kingdom (Disability Discrimination Act) Resources: –Accessible Europe –The Disabled Traveler’s Guide

Summary Inclusive: –Travel –Tourism –Amusements Should be both accessible and usable –Use principles of universal design –Understand the legal requirements, or their absence –Plan carefully, think ahead, and don’t assume anything –Use available resources