Access Tourism NZ TOURISM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, AND AGEING BOOMERS IN NEW ZEALAND AND WORLDWIDE

In a speech delivered today (1 November 2009) to that country’s 8^th Annual Tourism Conference, South African Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk made the following statement:

“In terms of accessibility, our industry should also focus on making all our products accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. The right to enjoy tourism is an equal right for all. The issue of accessibility is not only an issue with great social dimensions and consequences. Also from a financial perspective, individuals with disabilities represent a large and developing market for the tourist industry.”

“In Europe alone, it is estimated that more than 40 million consumers with disabilities could travel and use tourist infrastructure, if these were accessible. South Africa has all the capabilities to attract and absorb this large tourist clientele. I hope and trust that this matter will be dealt with in a serious manner, in order to ensure that all of us in the private and public sectors work towards accommodating all tourists”.

Meanwhile there are apparently no plans in New Zealand to develop an Access Tourism sector.