‘Tourism will only be inclusive with more knowledge, social interaction and cooperation’

In the Netherlands, people with disabilities are still unable to participate equally in society. The focus is often on education or public transport, but there is also much to be gained in the area of accessible recreation and travel. The very group that has an extra need for relaxation constantly faces obstacles. The solution? More knowledge, intensive collaboration, and a human-centred approach.

Knowledge loss blocks continuity

The theme of accessibility is too often missing from tourism courses. To make progress, educational institutions must incorporate this into their curricula as standard. At the same time, current professionals must be able to continue learning, for example through e-learning. Currently, specific knowledge rests too often on the shoulders of a small group, meaning crucial expertise is immediately lost during staff changes.

People-oriented approach and engagement

Existing regulations and their associated requirements are often unclear and have too many exceptions, meaning that little changes in practice. However, laws and regulations are not everything; there is simply too little regard for the diversity of limitations. Almost everyone knows someone with a physical or mental challenge. As soon as the realisation sinks in that this is close to home, it opens the path to a genuinely human-centred approach.

Furthermore, it is important that the people concerned are involved in the process. An organisation that advocates for this is, for example, Niets Over Ons Zonder Ons (Nothing About Us Without Us). Within the travel industry, there is no user panel for this as yet, however, there is a Platform for Adapted Holidays, which facilitates the gathering of experts in the field of adapted holidays. One can always contact providers of travel organisations that specialise in adapted holidays for advice or collaboration.

From social interaction to a fluid process

Ultimately, it's about strengthening social interaction. A travel agent, for example, could ask open-ended questions at the table to a family with a child with a disability: ‘how can we work together to meet this need?’ It's important that everyone in the entire chain adopts a proactive attitude and an inclusive mindset.

Tourism, travel and recreation organisations must integrate accessibility into their offerings and actively seek collaboration. In addition to suppliers, this also means working with interest groups to jointly shape appropriate policies and offerings with people with disabilities. Only when that process runs smoothly everywhere will people with disabilities have a positive experience. Currently, people too often stay at home for fear of getting stuck. With more collaboration and humanity, everyone can set off with peace of mind.