| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/11/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 10 |
| Copyright: Other |
letter of the week
Trade should cater for disabled travellers
The downturn in world travel represents a great opportunity for hoteliers and airlines in particular to consider what they could do to capitalise on the largely undeveloped mainstream, non-charitable, disabled travel market.
The industry needs every customer it can get, implementation of legislation forcing the issue is imminent, and this market is estimated to be worth more than £25 billion a year in the European Union alone.
What is also often overlooked is the fact that people with disabilities (myself included) usually travel accompanied by at least one able-bodied companion. Thus, by not serving the disabled market, the industry is missing out on this custom too.
These views are supported by ABTA, the Hoteliers’ Forum and others with whom I have spoken since September 11.
It would also be better for the travel industry if, next year, World Travel Market could help draw attention to the needs of the disabled travel market.
Jonathan Kaye, managing editor, Allgohere, Northwood, Middlesex