Disabled travelers seek more options

LONDON, England – As of 2011, there were 11 million people who were differently able or living with a disability, long-term illness or impairment in Great Britain.

LONDON, England – As of 2011, there were 11 million people who were differently able or living with a disability, long-term illness or impairment in Great Britain. In terms of going on a holiday, a survey has shown that 87 percent felt that they had been prevented from traveling due to their disabilities.

A number of organisations have spoken up in defence of accessible holidays, which can include cruises, rail holidays, skiing and safari or activity holidays, and even subsidised breaks for the disabled.

Calum Macdonald, E-Commerce Manager at Holiday Hypermarket comments: “There are numerous hotels and self-catering properties that have been checked for access and adapted for use in resorts in the Canary Islands. Skiing in Austria, safaris in Kenya and cruises around the UK are other popular options for those with disabilities.”

However, the Tourism for All charity, which conducted the survey, reported that although the majority of respondents were pleased with improved access over the last decade and over a quarter said it was “significantly better”, the airports, train stations and tourist attractions in the UK were still not adequately catering for disabled travelers.

Calum Macdonald, continues: “We were excited to cheer on British athletes at the London Paralympics this year, which featured sports like sailing, archery, rowing, cycling and wheelchair tennis.

“It’s encouraging that many people feel disabled access and facilities have improved in the previous decade. We endeavour to make travelers feel comfortable and able to visit the destinations they like, from the moment they leave the airport in the UK to their rural, luxurious or historical escapes.

“We hope to see improvements continue to the extent that the majority of differently abled people in Great Britain feel comfortable enough to travel on a regular basis.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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