The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Salem Alshafei, director of policies and programs, rights to people with disabilities strategy management and governance sector.
At the Dubai Inclusive Development Forum, experts from the inclusive tourism industry suggested that Dubai has all the right ingredients to take a big chunk out of the growing inclusive-tourism industry.
Along with the 760 million people aged above 60 globally, Dubai is a major destination on tourists’ cards.
“At the end of the day every decision needs to be backed by strong financials. Studies have proved that senior citizens and disabled tourists spend an average of three weeks in an area as compared to honeymooners who stay for five days on an average. It is a huge market,” said Venus Illagan, secretary general, Rehab International, New York.
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Apparently, Australia grew 13.6% when it officially became inclusive in its tourism provisions, “Accessible tourism wasn’t part of Dubai’s 2021 plan, and hence a strong effort needs to be made to etch it into the fabric of the city. Dubai should be the world network for accessible tourism,” said Ivor Ambrose, managing director, ENAT - European Network for Accessible Tourism, Athens.
“You (Dubai) need to make accessibility part of your brand, and if achieved, Dubai will be the first of the Expo cities to embrace the accessible tourism vertical. They have tried at Expo Milano, but have not been able to achieve all the parameters they were aiming for,” said Ambrose.
Dubai expects to welcome 20 million tourists by 2020, and experts feel disabled people are looking to travel more than ever before. “Disabled people wanted to be treated no differently than any one else, they have the money and are willing to travel,” said Victor Calise, commissioner, New York City mayor’s office for people with disabilities, who is also a former Paralympic athlete.
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