Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environments New Delhi (India) has issued a statement on the need for Inclusive Tourism in India.
Inclusive Tourism
Ms. Anjlee Agarwal, Executive Director
Mr. Sanjeev Sachdeva, Project Director
Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environments
New Delhi (India)
2008
1.1 Introduction
Tourism is a means of broadening horizons and developing friendship for a social group, which is less willing to remain, segregated from mainstream society. Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have an equal right to travel with dignity and independence; access to all tourism infrastructures; products & services including employment opportunities and benefits that the tourism industry provides. PwDs, senior citizens and families with young children, are not considered potential customers by the Government and the service providers and are still an untapped market. Their travel experiences are characterised by transportation constraints, inaccessible accommodation to tourism sites and inadequate customer services.
1.2 Tourism in India- Some Facts
India is a country of continental dimensions with a fascinating kaleidoscope of diverse races, languages, religions, customs and traditions. The tourist attractions of India include historical monuments, places of religious importance, mountain and beach resorts, wild life, and interesting eco-systems, etc.
Tourism in India has grown substantially over the last three decades. Foreign tourist arrival during 2005 were 3.92 million and foreign exchange earnings were US $ 5730.86 million in 2005 to US$ 6569.34 million in 2006- an increase of 14.6%.
Domestic tourism plays a vital role in achieving the national objectives of promoting social and cultural cohesion and national integration. Its contribution to generation of employment is very high. An investment of Rs. 1 crore creates 470 direct jobs, which surpasses the employment potential from Agriculture and Industrial sector. With the increase in income level and emergence of a powerful middle class, the potential for domestic tourism has gone up considerably in the last few years. Every year 382 million domestic tourist’s visits are made.
The National Tourism Policy 2002 attempts to position India as a global brand to take advantage of the increasing global travel and trade and vast untapped potential of India as a destination.
1.3 Seven key areas identified are:
Swagat (welcome)
Soochna (information)
Suvidha (facilitation)
Suraksha (safety)
Sahyog (co-operation)
Samrachana (infrastructure development)
Safai (cleanliness)
However, none of the above key areas take into considerations requirements of disabled traveller. Also there are no statistics/data available on tourists’ with disability (both domestic and foreign) visiting places of tourist interest. There is no database maintained by Government agencies of the accessible tourist spots in the country. The efforts made by individuals/organizations are also scattered. There is a growing demand, for the tourism industry to improve its services to PwDs: accessible transportation, accessibility within hotel facilities and travel operators to provide tailoring packages to PwDs.
1.4 Access provisions for Barrier Free Tourism
1. Advocacy and negotiation with the Tourism industry and service providers.
2. Accessibility as criteria in ranking of hotels;
3. To make mandatory for petrol pumps on highways to have an accessible toilet.
4. Dissemination and sharing of information on Barrier Free Tourism.
5. Information material to be accessible to all.
6. Compiling database on accessible Tourists places (including accommodation).
7. Information and networking with disabled people and NGOs.
8. Highlighting the issue through electronic and print media.
9. Conduct Access Surveys.
10. Initiate one pilot project.
Case study of Dilli Haat- Access Audit & Strategic Implementation
1.1 Introduction
Samarthyam selected Dilli Haat, a famous tourist spot, a joint venture of Delhi Tourism, Union Tourism Ministry, Development Commissioner (DC) Handlooms & Handicrafts and the Ministry of Textiles, as its pilot project. It is spread out over six acres, set amidst idyllic environs that attempt to mimic the rural ambience of a traditional Indian little "Haat" or a weekly village market. It has high visibility value and ample scope of expansion, replicability and sustainability. On the basis of ticket sales for three months it was found that 180,000 domestic as well as foreign tourists visit Dilli Haat every month. Making Dilli Haat ‘Accessible to All’ would mean spreading the message to other parts of the country.
An access audit in ‘coordination’ with the architect of Dilli Haat was conducted in January 2001. The audit team examined the existing architectural plan of the complex, identified the problem areas and suggested possible solutions. The proposed changes included designated parking, uneven flooring in the front plaza, ticket counter height, access to office and handloom & handicrafts stalls, drinking water facility, toilets and other amenities.
1.2 Process
Samarthyam Access Resource Group worked with Mr. Pradeep Sachdeva, Architect, Delhi Tourism by providing standards, guidelines and accessible design layouts. The partnership between Delhi Tourism and Samarthyam culminated in the inauguration of “Barrier Free Dilli Haat” (first phase), on 28th March 2003. The changes include levelling of front plaza flooring, demarcated pathway, lowering of ticket counter, merging of level differences, around 17 small and big ramps with handrails are constructed which now provide access to Dilli Haat office, exhibition halls, stalls, STD/ISD booth, drinking water facility, approach to toilets, eatable stalls etc. The second phase would include designated parking, guiding and warning blocks and toilets.
Media highlighted the constructive work being done by Delhi Tourism and Samarthyam in making Dilli Haat, the first ever disability friendly tourist spot in the nation. The news items generated public awareness and discussion of accessibility issues in the tourism sector. The tourism department has committed to make all upcoming projects barrier free. “Garden of Five Senses” spread over 20 acres, reflects the same.
Dill Haat was awarded National Award by the Hon’ble President of India for the Barrier Free Environment category on 3rd December 2005.
Posted by rollingrains at July 25, 2008 07:32 PM