DPI/AP Reports 2007

The 2nd International Conference on Accessible Tourism, 22 - 24 November 2008

The 2nd International Conference on Accessible Tourism 2007 (ICAT 2007) was co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Disabled Peoplesโ International Asia Pacific (DPI-AP). The Conference aims at promoting accessible tourism in the region as a way to enhance the implementation of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights โbased Society for Persons with Disabilities (BMF), Biwako Plus Five and the Plan of Action for Sustainable Tourism Development in Asia and the Pacific (Phase II 2006-2012) focusing on access to built environments, public transport and training & employment including self-employment. Besides, tourism is often considered as a valuable alternative for diversifying the economy in the areas dependent on only one maritime activity (e.g. fisheries). Quality tourism can contribute to the development of coastal areas by improving the competitiveness of businesses, meeting social needs and preserving the natural and cultural heritage. However, to be simultaneously successful in all these areas at the level of the tourist destination requires a global approach, called integrated quality management focusing on tourist satisfaction and based on the principle of sustainable development. Tourism clearly requires not only an attractive environment but also its accessibility.

Furthermore, barrier free tourism is also alternative choices for elderly persons and travelers with disabilities of which the number of them gradually increases. However, those travelers face significant barriers in traveling such as information planning, accessible accommodation, transportation or any kinds of discrimination. Recently, the Disability Travel on the Rise Despite Barrier to Access research found that numbers of American travelers with disabilities have been increasing 50 percent since year 2005. The numbers of European travelers with disabilities increase to 134-267.9 million. UN survey also found that by year 2050, the numbers of ageing population will rise to 2,000 million and 54 percent of them live in Asia and the Pacific region.

The Conference objectives were to contribute to processes of change and development lines of tourism businesses to ensuring a favorable environment to attract tourists and travelers with disabilities and retired, ageing people toward the implementation of tourism sustainability initiatives and dissemination of recommendations about Promoting Sustainable Tourism towards an Inclusive, Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Society.

Download: (58 KB)
Author: Mr. Sawang Srisom, ARDO
Language: English
When: 1/12/2007