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

ENAT (European Network for Accessible Tourism) reports that TRANSED 2010 will include a technical session on accessible marine travel featuring cruise ship, ferry vessel, and terminal design as part of the Accessible Tourism Track.  In view of the recent passage of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the construction, acquisition and operation all cruise and ferry terminal and vessels of signatory nations (including New Zealand) should comply with its accessibility provisions.

The following are keynote speakers:

• Katherine McGuinness (Kessler McGuinness and Associates, LLC, Newton, MA):  expert in accessible ferry transportation; will discuss key issues in accessible ferry docks, and a successful negotiated rulemaking process that resulted in state and national standards for accessible water transportation;
• Douglas Playter, (Principal Project Manager, CH2M HILL, Seattle): prominent US cruise and ferry terminal designer/manager; will outline factors in accessible cruise terminal design and operation. Drawing on his extensive experience in over 35 ferry and cruise terminal improvement projects in North America, he will provide examples of cruise terminals embodying system-wide and intermodal transfer accessibility in accordance with the applicable ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and guidelines;
• David Chapman (Program Manager, AMSEC LLC, a naval architecture and marine engineering design firm): expert on passenger vessel accessibility: will provide the companion technical piece on accessibility factors in cruise ship design, describe cruise ship universal design and construction features in adherence with the applicable US ADA accessibility standards and guidelines;
• Wanda Harbin (Customer Relations Officer, Marine Atlantic, Canada):  will discuss the importance of staff and personnel training to enhance accessibility in the marine transport systems;
• Clement Lau (Assistant Commissioner (Tourism), Tourism Commission, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, SAR Government of Hong Kong): will discuss “The Hong Kong Cruise Market and the New Cruise Terminal at Kai Tak”

There will also be many tourism related presentations and numerous conference papers on the demographic profile and travel patterns of the well-travelled baby boomers and persons with disabilities. Greater understanding of this emerging market segment will help the marine transport industry respond to their growing needs through adopting innovative designs, products, services and staff training.  The main conference and exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, June 5-8, 2010.