There is simply no better feeling than arriving in a new destination and hitting the ground running. You are filled with excitement and are ready to explore the unique culture, sample delicious local foods, delve into the history, and be captivated by their entertainment.
But what if you use a wheelchair, or a walker, cane, or even travel with your small children in a baby stroller? It's hard to be excited until you know that this destination will be possible. You must first research to see if there is accessible transportation, curb cuts, inclusive activities, and ramps or lifts to allow you to access and explore everything they have to offer. Accessibility is important and can benefit both visitors and residents. Let's dive into why accessibility in tourism benefits everyone.
Accessibility provides independence and confidence to everyone
Can you imagine asking for help every single time you reach a sidewalk with no curb cut? Can you imagine not being allowed to go to a show or a play with your family because there's only steps to get inside and you're using a wheelchair? Both occurrences would lower your self-esteem and make you feel inferior to other people. This is not how anyone should have to life and be made to feel. We all want to feel as independent as we can, and we want to have the confidence to travel outside our homes and fell the joy of exploring a new place.
Making destinations accessible for everyone helps to boost the morale within the community. This would encourage patrons and visitors to be more independent and to want to visit. They would feel confident about visiting, knowing that once they are there, they can fully access the sights and places within the area just like everyone else.
Accessibility improves quality of life
Making tourism accessible for everyone improves the quality of life for both the local community as well as visitors. They no longer feel the need to stay within their own homes, and they can fully partake in the destination's events.
Imagine a grandmother who can't go to the playground with her grandkids to watch the joy on their faces as they come down the slide. This would greatly dampen the quality of life not only for the grandmother, but also for the children who look up to her and want to see her smile when they ask her to watch as they play. Our lives are certainly enhanced by the experiences we share. When we can no longer share those experiences due to the careless use of barriers, it harms our quality of life in such a way that it can deter us from having the desire to travel.
Accessibility provides a welcoming experience
By implementing ramps, curb cuts, and an atmosphere that is inviting to all, a destination can make their city feel welcoming for all its visitors. Families don't want to visit somewhere that is only inclusive to half of the people. They don't want to leave their baby strollers at home, and they certainly don't want to leave a family member behind just because they need to use a wheelchair.
Accessibility in tourism shows guests that the destination cares about people and that they want them to feel welcome when they come to visit. When people see a diverse group of travelers in ads, brochures, and websites, this helps them to feel welcome and seen no matter their diversities. When cities remove barriers within their borders, guests are more eager to go there and feel welcome.
Accessibility increases community engagement
Accessibility in tourism is very beneficial for community engagement. There would be no point for a destination to put a lot of money into events if they are placing barriers there that would exclude a segment of their visitors. When every member of the family can attend and be able to function around just like everyone else, they are more willing to go again. People remember the places that make them feel good, and they don't forget those that don't.
Implementing smooth surfaces such as play areas and sidewalks, step-free entrances, and community outreach of inclusion in all areas, the community will feel more engaged and willing to attend more often. Increased community engagement will improve the destination's tourism for all the years to come.
Accessibility increases revenue for the destination
Last but certainly not least, making a destination more accessible will drive more patrons to visit, which means more tourism dollars! This money will not only help the local economy to thrive, but it will also help to have more funding for those accessibility projects to bring in even more visitors.
Thriving with more revenue is what increases tourism within a city when the dollars are put back into making it better. And by better, this would mean an inclusive, enjoyable visit for everyone.
As you can see, accessibility in tourism is very important. It's not only important for the destination, but also for its visitors. It is very beneficial for everyone involved and can be a great addition to every city in the world.
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a QUICKIE Q500 M.
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