The World Tourism Organization has announced a new set of Inclusive Recovery Guides to ensure accessibility for tourists with specific access requirements. These new guidelines can positively boost tourism in destinations around the world as they look to recover from the impact of the pandemic. The recovery guidelines have been produced in partnership with the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) and the ONCE Foundation of Spain and Travability from Australia. 

The guide outlines steps for more inclusive tourism

This guide was launched on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and draws on the expertise of UNWTO’s Ethics Culture and Social Responsibility Department and its partners. It outlines a series of steps that governments, destinations, and companies should take to build back better, becoming more inclusive and competitive. Persons with disabilities have long since faced hurdles while traveling to destinations that don’t make accommodations for their needs. 

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism environments and services are often designed without considering the different access requirements that visitors and locals may have. The tourism sector must prioritize accessibility. This can be a real game changer for destinations and businesses, helping them recover from the crisis and grow back in a more inclusive and resilient way.”

The recommendations for inclusive recovery are in six main action areas: Assistance in a crisis, Adaptation of protocols, Inclusivity in post-pandemic tourism, Accessibility in business planning, Staff training and inclusion, and Innovation and digital transformation.

Also Read: Iceland To Allow Travelers Who Have Recovered From COVID-19 To Bypass Quarantine