12 March 2013, Edinburgh. Moves to ensure tourists with access needs get the most from the Commonwealth Games were outlined today. These include piloting access statements at Glasgow hotels and training volunteers in disability equality and awareness.
The 12th Meeting of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics commended the UNWTO Private Sector Commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism Initiative and praised the growing number of signatory businesses who pledged to uphold responsible conduct in the tourism sector.
Travelling by air with a disability is becoming increasingly popular, hence the need for airports and airlines to provide high quality accessible travel services. A recent visit to Virgin Atlantic Airways headquarters located near London Gatwick airport presented the perfect opportunity to interview the airline's Passenger Accessibility Manager.
More and more people are discovering that accessible hotel environments make their stay more comfortable and convenient, but many find it hard to track down the accessibility information they need. Scandic has expanded its website to gather as much information as possible in one place.
This 12-month research study, which started in January 2013, will map the staff skills needs to improve accessibility and safety in the tourism services and analyse the availability of corresponding training in Member States.
This research study, which started in February 2013, will assess the presence and the performance of accessible tourism services and facilities along the tourism supply chain, examining best practices and tools to foster tourism accessibility.
To facilitate selection of the best-suited personnel for any hotel position, PEOPLECERT now offers personnel certifications that will ensure a hotel employee is capable of offering the same service quality to individuals with a disability as to any other client. Employment of certified staff can, in turn, create a distinct competitive advantage for the hotel among its competitors.
CLEAR aims to serve as a kick-start mechanism for generating a better attitude towards Cultural Values (CVs), rendering them accessible to all and so seen as assets to local development.
