TravTalk India Online Magazine
With technological advancements and shift towards inclusivity reshaping industries, especially tourism, identifying existing challenges is an important step to promote accessible tourism in India. Besides infrastructure limitations and inaccessible modes of transport, the mindset of people needs to change and become more socially conscious.
Somya Deep
Accessible tourism, the idea of making tourism convenient for all, ranging from differently abled to elderly, presents a significant economic opportunity for India. Talking about this opportunity, Prateek Hira, Chairman, IATO Uttar Pradesh Chapter and President & CEO, Tornos & Un-DMC, said, “Accessibility is not only limited to providing a facility to persons with disabilities but is, in fact, a barometer of thoughtfulness and inclusivity of the society in general.” While Indian law mandates accessibility for everyone, legal declarations do not always translate into societal consciousness. “Unless we become socially conscious and inclusive of persons with disabilities, we cannot have an ‘Accessible India’,” he emphasised.
Challenges
In order to promote accessible tourism in India, identifying existing challenges is an important step. Besides infrastructure limitations and inaccessible modes of transport, the mindset of people around accessibility needs to change. “India is the most populous country. Data suggests five to six per cent of the population constitutes persons with disabilities. However, this figure is likely an underestimation, as many are not officially registered, and it does not include senior citizens who also require accessibility,” he said.
Providing a hospitality perspective to the issue, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Partner & Vice President – Commercials, Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, said that retrofitting existing properties, especially heritage properties, to make them accessible to all is a significant challenge. “There is a need for a mindset change and for accessibility to be ingrained in the built architecture,” Mudgal said.
India’s context
Keeping in view the current state of accessible tourism in India, there is a need to do a lot more. Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO and Director, Uday Tours & Travel, mentioned Kerala as a positive example, being the first state to implement the ‘Barrier-free Kerala Tourism Project’. He highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts , including guidelines for barrier-free facilities and awards for accessible monuments. “For those specially-abled persons struggling to fulfil their dreams of travelling, a silver lining has emerged, with Kerala, the first state in India to become elderly and disabled-friendly, putting in place all the basic infrastructure and facilities at tourism centres,” he said.
Mahendra Pratap Singh, Chairman, IATO Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Chapter and Managing Director, Travel India Tourism, noted that while some cities and destinations, like Delhi and Agra’s Taj Mahal, have made progress, a lot more efforts are required in many rural areas and less-visited states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. “These areas are often less explored by both Indian and foreign tourists, but with the right improvements, they could become popular destinations. There is a need for more attention to be given to these hidden gems, making them more welcoming for everyone, including people with disabilities,” he said.
EM Najeeb, Chairman, ATE Group of Companies and Executive Committee Member, IATO, emphasised the inconsistency across the country. “Rajasthan has taken steps to improve access to heritage sites, adding ramps and braille signage in places like Jaipur’s City Palace. Delhi has introduced accessible transportation options, and many metro stations have elevators and braille signage. Meanwhile, airports across the country have also enhanced accessibility services, such as wheelchair assistance and sensory rooms,” he said, adding that such moves need to be replicated in other destinations.
Hira acknowledged progress in aviation, metro-rail network, and certain ASI monuments, but stressed for more. “Unless we have it across all facilities and product class, our efforts to have accessible places in good numbers become ineffective and meaningless,” he said.
Potential solutions
Envisioning India as a leader in accessibility, Hira stressed that it requires a sweeping social change and social consciousness, a change that must permeate every facet of society. “The good news is that the movement has support from the highest levels. Our Prime Minister himself has been propagating the cause quite loudly,” he said.
Citing the Supreme Court’s recent commentary on the importance of using respectful language while referring to the people with disabilities, Hira said, “Now the need is to spread this idea in the society for making India truly accessible.”
Mehra stressed on utilising the economic potential of the market, saying that travellers with disabilities often travel with companions. “Accessibility is not only about human rights; it is also a business opportunity.” he said. Singh advocated for improving infrastructure, including ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. He called for inclusive public transportation and staff training. “Creating special travel packages and tours that cater to people with specific needs can help India attract more tourists from around the world,” he said.
Global numbers
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) data indicate 16 per cent of the global population requires accessible facilities, and almost 60 per cent of those from developed economies have the means to travel but avoid inaccessible destinations. Moreover, there are around 950 million elderly, half of whom require accessibility. “If we in India become accessible, just for the purpose of making lives of our own people easier, we can be an attraction for this huge market that constitutes more than a billion people waiting to explore the world with dignity,” Hira said.
Accessibility in tourism facilities, products, and services should be a central part of responsible and sustainable tourism. Almost 50 per cent of people aged more than 60 have a disability, according to the UN DESA 2022. Mehra said that two-third of people with disabilities in developed economies are likely to have means to travel with them.
Inclusive nature of tourism
Inclusivity has always been the essence of tourism. However, it is a social trend now. Hira emphasised, “Tourism is inclusive and non-discriminatory. Accessible India gives out a loud social message and is a great soft power.” He believes that becoming accessible will enhance India’s global image. “As the world looks at India for all solutions, we should take affirmative and meaningful steps in the direction of accessibility,” he suggested. Sharing similar sentiments, Najeeb said, “By embracing accessibility as a core part of its tourism strategy, India can expand its appeal and build a reputation as a country committed to inclusive travel.”
Strategies
With the right strategies and intentions, India has the potential to become an accessible tourist location. Najeeb advocated for promoting accessible destinations, and fostering public-private partnerships. Mudgal believes that accessibility will become a key differentiator for hotels. Mehra pointed out that the inclusion of accessibility in hotel classification guidelines is a positive step. “The condition of making hotels accessible for people with different abilities has been included in the MOT’s guidelines for approval and classification of 4 and 5-star category hotels,” he informed.
