Interaction session with the professionals of aviation sectors on accessibility

NFDN in partnership with CBM and in technical collaboration with four seasons conducted a session on ‘Role of Aviation Sectors for the Promotion of Inclusive Tourism in Nepal’. The event was participated by twenty two professionals from tourism sectors. The interaction session was valuable as personnel from aviation sector shared their policies and contribution for making tourism sector disability friendly.

Picture Caption: Mr. Raju Basnet, general secretary of NFDN, addressing the program

The key theme of the session was to discuss the existing protocols that different airlines endorse in the point view of disability. The significant global market for tourists with disabilities is not fully appreciated by Nepal’s tourism industry. It is a matter of concern for many travelers with disabilities. Although, demand for accessible tourism is growing in Nepal, current levels of accessible tourism accommodation, transport and attraction infrastructures are limited. The priorities should be given to accessible/inclusive tourism in Nepal to attract travelers with disabilities.

Mr. Raju Basnet, General Secretary of NFDN emphasized on the issues faced by Persons with Disabilities in the existing environment and highlighted the need of disabled friendly protocols. The session was a powerful interaction as quoted by Mr. Pankaj Pradhananga, Director of Four Seasons Travel who further requested the participants to collectively initiate the concept so that no person is left out to exercise their right to travel. Similarly, participants shared their existing company policies and current issues for Persons with Disabilities. By some means, the facilities as mentioned by the participants orient for Persons with Disabilities as in provision of ambu-lift, accessible toilet, lift system and tactile in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).

Picture Caption: Mr. Pankaj Pradhanaga, director of Four Seasons Travels and Tours facilitating the program

Upon sharing of the issues faced by PWDs during travel, the participants realized the importance of making the tourism industry inclusive to benefit the people with their rights to travel and further added that they were interested to collaborate with the companies and make socially inclined effort to make the industry inclusive and accessible.