Connect with us

Travel

PH joins ASEAN in creating barrier-free tourism

Published

on

PNA Photo

PNA Photo

MANILA — As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gears to develop more infrastructures to provide barrier-free tourism to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the region, the Philippines expresses its full support to the bloc’s initiative.

“The Philippines has always been very supportive and now more than ever vigilant in its promotion of the principles of ‘Tourism for All,’ promoting universal accessibility,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning Benito Bengzon Jr. in a statement.

Creating a barrier-free travel experience for PWDs in the Philippines was the focal point of the ASEAN-Japan Accessible Tourism Seminar hosted last week by the DOT, together with the ASEAN-Japan Center and the National Council on Disability, at the Manila Diamond Hotel.

buy antabuse online parkerpch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/png/antabuse.html no prescription pharmacy

Participants observed that hospitality services for PWDs are often overlooked by establishments causing hindrances during travel because of limited facilities – from sidewalks, ramps, wheelchair-lifts for cars, to bathrooms, and toilets, including audio and visual guides.

In response to the issues, ASEAN-member states have started creating facilities and identifying infrastructures to be developed in order to provide better accessibility and reduce barriers for PWDs.

During the seminar, representatives from Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines presented technological and infrastructure advances, and barrier-free tour products specifically designed for wheelchair users, and visually and hearing-impaired travelers, as well as the areas of improvement in the said aspects.

Jinriki, a Japanese-patented towing bar for wheelchairs, was also introduced at the event. Despite pavement conditions, whether covered with gravel or sand, Chie Nakamura of Iseshima Barrier Free Tour Center said the towing bars enable wheelchairs to move with ease, a tourism product deemed effective for wheelchair users in region.

Areas of focus also identified in providing accessibility to PWDs were transportation, lodging, and architecture, as well as communication aides.

Bengzon said raising awareness on PWD challenges and advocating for their inclusion in travel destinations are the primary goals of accessible tourism.

He said personnel training for establishments and development of programs in consultation with the PWD communities is being promoted to eradicate discrimination towards PWDs and level their inclusion in travel privileges with the rest of the population.

buy lasix online parkerpch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/png/lasix.html no prescription pharmacy

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maria in Vancouver

Lifestyle1 month ago

Becoming Your Best Version

By Matter Laurel-Zalko As a woman, I’m constantly evolving. I’m constantly changing towards my better version each year. Actually, I’m...

Lifestyle2 months ago

The True Power of Manifestation

I truly believe in the power of our imagination and that what we believe in our lives is an actual...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

DECORATE YOUR HOME 101

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Our home interiors are an insight into our brains and our hearts. It is our own collaboration...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

Guide to Planning a Wedding in 2 Months

By Matte Laurel-Zalko Are you recently engaged and find yourself in a bit of a pickle because you and your...

Maria in Vancouver3 months ago

Staying Cool and Stylish this Summer

By Matte Laurel-Zalko I couldn’t agree more when the great late Ella Fitzgerald sang “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”...

Maria in Vancouver4 months ago

Ageing Gratefully and Joyfully

My 56th trip around the sun is just around the corner! Whew. Wow. Admittedly, I used to be afraid of...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

My Love Affair With Pearls

On March 18, 2023, my article, The Power of Pearls was published. In that article, I wrote about the history...

Maria in Vancouver5 months ago

7 Creative Ways to Propose!

Sometime in April 2022, my significant other gave me a heads up: he will be proposing to me on May...

Maria in Vancouver6 months ago

Why Eating Healthy Matters

We are what we eat, so don’t be fast, cheap, easy, or fake — we should take these words to...

Maria in Vancouver6 months ago

Maria Goes To Lapu Lapu Day Block Party!

On April 27, 2024, the Filipino community of Vancouver had its first Pinoy multi-Block Party in the most diverse neighbourhood,...