In our efforts to continue to be as accessible and inclusive as possible, for the fifth edition of our Accessible Tourism paper Sparrowly Group have included audio readings of the paper.

Click the below links to hear the recordings.

Abstract  

In April 2016, I found myself with no choice but to undertake the medical care needs of my child on the bathroom floor at the Singapore Airport. This continued to be the trend as we travelled throughout Asia, Ireland and Italy.

This was not ok.

Following that trip and after two years of research, I knew that as a professional working across tourism and community development sectors that it was my responsibility to advocate and contribute to making positive change.

The accessible tourism sector is a high value sector to the Australian tourism industry and broader economy. Accessible tourism is tourism which services experiences that accommodates the needs of all people, and for the purpose of this research piece, those with disability. In Australia,1 in 5 people have some form of disability. 

According to Travability (2018), domestic and international visitation by people with disability contributes $10.8 billion to the Australian economy, more than that of the Chinese inbound market of $10.4 billion. Prior to the COVID pandemic, this market was predicted to reach 25% of total tourism spend by 2020 (Travability 2018). Until international visitation returns to pre-pandemic levels and new research is undertaken, these numbers remain the guideposts for industry.

2018 saw co-author Jackie Hicks and I publish the first edition of our Discussion Paper, Creating real inclusion - A call to arms to the tourism industry in support of people with disability. We are committed to the ongoing research and advocacy in this sector, updating the paper annually. And in response to the journey that the industry is on, to better enable accessible tourism and better support people with disability to enjoy meaningful, memorable and enjoyable holidays in Australia. 

This is our fifth edition and builds upon previous editions by recognising how far the industry has come acknowledging the challenges and opportunities, while celebrating progress along with practical advice and support resources for the industry. 

Like anything in life, it’s about progress not perfection and as we move forward with a heightened awareness and motivation to progress, it’s our collective job to educate and support industry to do better, and continually learn from people with disability as we welcome tourism back following over two years of pandemic restrictions.  

In our advocacy and educational journey, we have met so many wonderful individuals and organisations working towards a common goal to improve the visitor experience for people with disability and for that I want to say thank you. We welcome the Queensland Government’s dedicated focus in its announcement of 2023 as the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland supported by a full program of far reaching and long lasting initiatives.

Thank you for putting yourself out of your comfort zone to learn how you can do better.

Because, it’s about progress not perfection - so let’s keep striving and progressing as an industry to drive Australia as a first choice for accessible tourism. 

Giovanna Lever
Managing Director, Sparrowly Group

Disclaimer 

Sparrowly Group is a strategic management consultancy who work within the health, community development and visitor economy sectors of Australia. We understand the importance of resilient, self-sustaining communities and advocate for those who need solutions for improved health and wellbeing to drive positive outcomes for all. 

We do not claim to be experts in the access and inclusion sector, however hope that this discussion paper helps to raise awareness and create opportunities for accessible and inclusive tourism. 

This paper is to be used as a guide only and the intent is to ensure it is kept dynamic and current. It is therefore formally updated annually with additional examples and research undertaken throughout the year.