WTTC launches guidelines on making travel inclusive
To help make the tourism and travel industry a more inclusive space, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched new high-level guidelines for inclusion and accessibility.
The guidelines were compiled on the basis of insights and frameworks developed by private sector leaders in travel and tourism, travel and disability experts as well as research from intergovernmental organizations.
The four key pillars include:
Developing an inclusive and accessible system
Creating safe spaces
Designing an engaging and relevant system
Exemplifying inclusion and accessibility
The guidelines also include the importance of providing staff training on disability awareness and how to support individuals with disabilities. The report stresses the value of fostering a respectful environment at all times while ensuring their employees understand the integral role they play in making customers feel included and welcome.
In addition, the guidelines make clear that businesses should regularly and proactively engage travelers with disabilities in the creation of accessible products and services so that these meet their needs appropriately. Staff should also be empowered to address customer concerns as they occur or to engage other staff members if and where necessary, and inclusive marketing should be developed to dignify representations of all people and authentically represent them.
To read the Inclusive & Accessible Travel Guidelines in full, visit https://wttc.org
Source: Disability Insider, WTTC