April 17, 2004
Conference on Disability and Travel in Australia
The 5th National NICAN Conference will be held at the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel in Perth, Western Australia from September 20 - 22, 2004.
The NICAN Press Release:
Out of the Blue … Lap it up
… at the 5th National NICAN Conference 2004
NICAN are now well under way in preparing the next national NICAN Conference, scheduled for September 2004.
A tidal wave of proactive discussion and consequent development of rewarding initiatives for tourism markets and disability access will ensure a rewarding event.
Organisers anticipate the joint discussion and presentations amongst tourism operators, academics and participants within the disability field will open up new tourist opportunities for people with disabilities.
Since 1988 NICAN has continually worked on providing information on recreation, tourism, sport and the arts to people with a disability. NICAN is working alongside Recreation Network WA, and have constructed a strong organising committee representing the disability, tourism, recreation and academic fields.
Amanda Hunt, Executive Officer of Recreation Network and Conference Chairperson summarises the Conference as one which is about ‘expanding markets for tourism operators, bringing together researchers and decision makers to discuss policy direction and exploring opportunities for people with disabilities’.
Aptly titled ‘Out of the Blue: Valuing the Disability Market in Tourism’, the conference aims to highlight how the tourism market can increase its activity by identifying and overcoming barriers which prevent some tourists from maximising their visit.
The main objectives are to:
Ř Share practical ideas and resources, achievements, and successes
Ř Benchmark (learning about examples of best practice)
Ř Network and link with others; forming liaisons, support and partnerships
Ř Assist in Personal/ Professional development and education
Ř Explore research and emerging trends
Ř Debate current issues in disability and tourism from a Regional to National level
Ř Impact on future policy direction for a whole of government commitment
The Conference will be held between 20 – 22 September 2004 at Rendezvous Observation City which basks on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Stimulating keynote speakers, experiential sessions, site visits and enjoyable entertainment will make this Conference a quenching experience for all participants.
For more information, contact:
Telephone:
Victoria Wardlaw – (08) 9284 4220
or Anne Oliver – (08) 9494 2972
Website and Download:
Call for Papers and Conference website at: www.nican.com.au
E-mail: info@nican.com.au