Travel industry urged to tackle accessibility
A new report is claiming the European tourism sector is missing out on up to €142 billion every year due to poor infrastructure, services and attitudes towards travellers with special access needs.
The research from the University of Surrey says travellers within the EU who required special access, through disability or age, took 783 million trips in the region in 2012, contributing €394 billion and 8.7 million jobs to the European economy.
The UK was among the top three contributors, generating over €86 million and 1.7 million jobs to the market – 20% of the EU total.
But researchers believe that if European destinations were fully accessible, this demand could increase up to 44% a year, generating an additional €142 billion and 3.4 million jobs for the European economy.
"This is a golden opportunity for the European travel sector," said Professor Graham Miller from the University of Surrey.
"The worry of many small and medium-sized businesses has been recouping the cost of adapting for special access needs. This research shows that this cost will not only be recovered, but will result in market growth. In the long-term, commitment is required from both the public and private sectors. However, even small changes in the meantime will reap massive rewards.
"Not only do these recommendations make a valid business case, but having full access to tourist activities, services and facilities is a right enshrined in Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. It is imperative that all European countries demonstrate commitment to enacting change."
The study assessed special access provisions for disabled tourists aged between 15 and 64 and elderly people over the age of 65 across 27 European countries. It also assessed the quality of public and private services, infrastructure and attitudes.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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