People with disabilities have consistently reported that they experience difficulty accessing Western Australian tourism opportunities. While the specific difficulties experienced vary, the two major concerns identified are the lack of accessible tourism facilities and the difficulties experienced gaining accurate information about those that are accessible. Members of the tourism sector have also indicated that they want more information about how best to meet the needs of the increasing number of tourists with disabilities.
Access all areas: accessible tourism strategic directions plan for Western Australia (PDF 645KB) was launched by the Hon Sheila McHale, Minister for Tourism and Disability Services in November 2007. The Plan was developed by the Accessible Tourism Reference Group* to identify ways to expand tourism options for people of all ages and abilities and increase the customer base for tourism operators.
* Membership of the Accessible Tourism Reference Group is from a diverse range of tourism and disability organisations.
Current initiatives include:
Access all areas – a guide to creating Western Australia as a community and tourism destination for people of all ages and abilities
The access all areas two page guide (PDF 110KB) was produced by Disability Services Commission and Tourism Western Australia to alert tourism industry operators to the value of tapping into this ‘niche market’ of travellers. It also presents a list of resources available to enable operators to take direct action.
Beyond compliance
This program is a marketing initiative commenced by the Perth Convention Bureau in 2003 and aims to make Western Australia a leading destination for meetings and conferences within the disability sector.
You’re welcome WA
This access initiative was developed by the Disability Services Commission in collaboration with a number of other organisations including Tourism Western Australia. It aims to create inclusive accessible communities while promoting tourism opportunities.
For further information regarding these initiatives, please contact Disability Services Commission at www.disability.wa.gov.au.