Disability conference closed

Disability conference closed

SANUR, Bali (JP): The three-day Asia-Pacific Conference for
People with Disability was closed here on Tuesday with more than
400 participants from 16 countries agreeing to adopt the Bali
Declaration on barrier-free tourism.

The participants noted in the declaration that most tourist
agencies in the region did not recognize the importance of
barrier-free tourism. Reasons cited for this included the absence
of government policies and strategies, the lack of training for
the tourist industry on access rights and the needs of disabled
tourists, and a shortage of tourist activities suitable for
disabled people.

The conference was held at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel.

The declaration also noted that barrier-free tourism was
becoming an increasingly important feature in a competitive
global tourist market and could serve as an effective tool for
enhancing the socioeconomic benefits of the tourist sector.

Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gde Ardika said when closing
the conference that the Indonesian government would take several
short-term measures, particularly in the tourist sector, to
implement the declaration's recommendations. The programs will
include the improvement of tourist infrastructure and services,
and training for tourist workers.

Ardika also stressed that tourist-based industries, such as
hotels and travel agents, should begin giving employment
opportunities to people with disabilities. "Those who cannot walk
could be hired as telephone or computer operators, for example."

State-funded tourist schools and institutes will also create
special classes and training programs to improve student's skills
in dealing with disabled tourists' needs, he said. They will also
open a special program to train people with disabilities who want
to work in the tourist industry. (zen)