Inclusive Destination Management Strategies

Abstract

Destination management strategies with access and inclusion at their core ensure previously marginalised populations, such as people with disabilities, can actively participate in tourism. This chapter puts forward four key interrelated pillars pertinent to the development of an accessible and inclusive destination. The first pillar addresses the significant leadership role tourism destination management organisations have to play in terms of setting an accessible and inclusive vision, garnering buy-in from operators and related sectors, and considering how audits, or accessibility guides, may be used to determine what developments are needed. The second pillar identifies the need to consider who should be involved in planning and decisionmaking, who can coordinate and bring disparate groups and sectors together to share knowledge, and how all stakeholders involved can utilise best practice to work together, mitigate challenges and co-create meaningful outcomes. This means the appropriate people are involved in the development and implementation of strategies, which is critical to ensure all aspects of development are considered. As the people who are directly affected by both inclusive and exclusive decisions, the involvement of people with disabilities is crucial. The third pillar identifies collaboration as an important means of sharing knowledge and enabling progress. Considering the impact and integration of assistive technologies may also enable tourism destinations to reach potential visitors with disabilities in innovative ways. Finally, the fourth pillar highlights how accurate and detailed information is critical for people with disabilities to be able to make informed choices about their travels and the activities they choose to engage in. The lack of appropriate and accurate information is a wellknown barrier to tourism participation for people with disabilities and should thus be prioritised in the marketing and promotion of any accessible and inclusive destination management strategy. Ultimately, it is crucial to recognise that unless the whole tourism system is accessible and inclusive, then individual efforts may not be sufficiently effective.