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)