Are We Ready for Barrier-Free Tourism?

Are we ready for barrier-free tourism(BFT)? Is our infrastructure ready? These two questions never stop echoing into my mind. Since i started working, i have been travelling already in different places in the country. Lets just say, one reasons why i work so hard is to travel around the country, see the beauty of life, and experience new environment. But every time i travel i always consider the accessibility of the certain place. I make sure that i will not have any difficulties in transportation, accommodation, and other needs. I believe that i am not alone in this kind of circumstances.

PWDs (Persons With Disabilities) are becoming a growing group of consumers of travel and other leisure-oriented products and services. PWDs are becoming adventurous and independent. Many are also travelling leisurely after retirement at 60. They have the time and money to spend in tourist areas. These are now part of the social trends nowadays. But just like what i mentioned awhile ago, we have a concern, we want a barrier-free tourism. This will allow us to travel to whatever place, attraction, or event without fear of barriers and unfriendly and unsafe accommodations. I believe BFT will not only benefit us but the tourism industry as well. It will eventually generates greater returns on investment by reaching a previously untapped market, such as PWDs and older persons. Now, are we ready for BFT?

Below are the lists of facilities that needs to be provided and some areas to be upgraded.

Needs to be Provided

1. Pedestrian bridges
2. Airports
3. Split-level Counters
4. Unisex Toilets/Family Restrooms
5. Toilet Amenities (reachability):
mirrors, paper towel dispensers,
soap dispensers, hooks (1m from
floor)
6. Hotel room specs
7. Bathing Areas
8. Pools
9. Menus with Braille
10. Guide-dogs welcome
11. Parking Slot Length
12. Ride Attractions
13. Automated Teller Machines

Areas to be Upgraded


1. Elevators
2. Clearance under Tables
3. Doors:
-­‐ Widths (90 cm)
-­‐ Force needed to open
4. Lavatory height (75 cm)
5. More guest rooms: hotels, inns,
apartels, dormitories,
6. Switches (120 cm max)
7. Outlets (above table height)
8. Grab bars in toilets (both sides and
1 L-bar on the wall)
9. Drinking Fountains
10. Public Phones
11. Transport provisions