To help promote inclusive tourism, we’re calling for an introduction of an ‘Excellence in Inclusive Tourism’ award category in the Queensland and Western Australian Tourism Awards.
With the holiday season approaching and nominations for the Queensland Tourism Awards opening early 2020, Executive Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan said this was a perfect time to consider incorporating a category to recognise efforts at improving inclusion in tourism events, accommodation and experiences.
“Inclusive tourism in Australia is a sizeable market that’s worth billions, and continues to grow each year,” Ross said.
“People with a disability love to travel and experience unique destinations just like anyone else, but unfortunately there are many venues and destinations which are still inaccessible.”
Ross said there should be more incentive and recognition for tourism operators who have actively worked to ensure their venues and experiences are accessible for all.
“From competition comes innovation and from innovation comes inclusion,” Ross said.
“Introducing an ‘Excellence in Inclusive Tourism’ award category in the annual Tourism Awards for Queensland and Western Australia will recognise the efforts of inclusive operators and encourage other operators to look closer at the benefits of being inclusive.
“It’s not just an opportunity for greater equality, it’s also an opportunity for increased revenue and opening your destination up to a wider audience, including the aged.”
Ross said Spinal Life and its members had written to the Tourism Ministers and Tourism Councils in both states, encouraging them to incorporate the changes in time for start of the 2020 Tourism Awards nominations.
Ross said he had also written to Tourism Australia to encourage an inclusive category in the national awards program.