PANJIM: As around 80 physically challenged persons enjoyed the Carnival float parade in Panjim, in what was government’s first step ever towards making such events accessible to people with disabilities, Enable Travel, India’s first accessible holiday specialist and Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) urged the State to promote accessible tourism.
“The coastal State gets huge inflow of tourists from across the world but the percentage of accessible tourism is negligible. We are happy that Goa government is cooperative and ensured disables people also enjoy the event,” Rustom Irani, Chief Community Officer at Enable Travel said on Saturday.
DRAG president Avelino D’Sa said they are content with the government’s proactive move to support the initative. “Many places of tourist attraction are already becoming accessible. We are in the process of identifying more such spots,” he said adding that Goa Tourism Development Corporation is turning their residencies disabled friendly. There have been requests to the government to convert Goa’s tourism spots accessible for all.
Elevated platforms with ramps were provided especially for wheelchair users at the Carnival in Panjim. For the first time, an accessible float, comprising of disabled people and mobility-restricted elderly dressed in innovative costumes and placards championing the cause of inclusivity were also a part of the festivity.
The firm’s head Debolin Sen and community advisor Shama Noorani, who were also present during the interaction, explained that several tourists with disabilities are keen on exploring different travel experiences and as such, it is important to tap these travellers. “If a family has a disabled member, the entire family is unable to go on a vacation. We cater to their needs wherein all the requirements are provided to the concerned member, and this enables everybody in the family to enjoy a holiday without hassles,” said one of them.
