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

Guest article by Veroniek Maat, Intern, NZ Tourism Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, and Masters Student, Leisure, Tourism, and Environment, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

During the Leaders Summit ’10 seminar in Auckland on the 4^th of June, sponsors, partners and experts came together to discuss the impact of the Rugby World Cup 2011 on New Zealand’s tourism, media, sports and creative industries. Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of the RWC 2011 pointed out that not only the bigger cities will be hosting the games but smaller towns like Whangarei, Hamilton, Napier, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson, Dunedin and  Invercargill. By planning the games across the whole country, tourists will also reach less known areas, bringing profit to all regions.  Snedden pointed out that New Zealand will play a hosting role, not only a sports event. The RWC offers opportunities for regions to ‘show off’ by organizing festivals and looking after the people visiting. He also said that New Zealand will not have enough beds to accommodate all RWC tourists. To increase the number of beds, 3 cruise ships will be used (2 in Wellington, 1 in Christchurch). Additionally, New Zealanders will be asked to rent out private homes and to volunteer as hosts to make sure all the visitors will have a place to stay. The volunteer recruitment program was launched on the 9^th of June on the RWC 2011 website. It would be a good idea if the recruitment team emphasized that volunteers could rent out their homes to  senior tourists and visitors with a disability. People who are less mobile or have a visual, hearing or intellectual impairment need a comfortable place to stay during the RWC and would probably prefer not be sleeping in a backpackers dorm or cruise ship. Many seniors and people with disabilities will not be able to fit in with lack of comfort, as youngsters and more able adults will be able to. As Snedden noted, ‘hosting will be the thing that makes the big difference’ and the RWC offers a platform to show what New Zealand can do.