7 Ways Kerala¡¯s Top Tourist Destinations Are Becoming Disabled-Friendly

The government of Kerala was quick to realise two facts. First, that their state draws travellers not just from within the country but from across the globe because of its allure as a sightseeing destination. Second, a booming section of the travel market is reserved for travellers with disabilities and also the elderly, estimated to be worth an astounding $19.2 billion.

And Kerala built on just that.

Image credit: Reuters.

By renovating its most popular tourist destinations to become disabled- and elderly people-friendly, Kerala's Barrier-Free Tourism Project won global recognition, as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) made a special mention as an ¡®Emerging Global Destination¡¯ in the Accessible Destination Awards 2019.

Below, we have put together a list of all the incredible efforts the government of Kerala has undertaken in order to make its tourist destinations accessible to all.

1. Alleppey is the country's first disabled-friendly beach.

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Achieving this status on December 3, 2019, the state government spent Rs 58 lakhs to make its famous Alleppey Beach disabled-friendly. The beach boasts a 50-metre ramp on each side of the entry points for easy wheelchair access. There are signages in braille in order to aid even blind tourists. The beach also provides audio-visual aids in order to provide an immersive experience for all.

Ajith Kumar Kripalayam, President of the All Kerala Wheelchair Users Association, said, ¡°It was always our dream to see the sea up close. When the state government built the ramp with the help of the tourism department and (Alappuzha) sub-collector Kiran Teja, it was as if God heard our prayers.¡±

2. Fort Kochi is the first disabled-friendly heritage site!

The historic town of Fort Kochi, located in the Ernakulam district, is all set to transform as the first-ever disabled-friendly heritage destination in the state of Kerala. Amenities that are slated to be introduced include a special toilet facility for the disabled, seating and lamp posts made out of cast iron, sliding doors and grab bars, eating areas every 30 meters of the walkway, and spill-out spaces that can be accessed through the ramps. The state government has built specially designed ramps that will facilitate movement for the disabled and elderly.

3. All tourist destinations will have personnel who will be trained in sign language.

Image credit: Kerala Tourism.

Another interesting provision under Kerala's state government's Barrier-Free Tourism Project is how all the personnel that will be employed at tourist destinations will have to undergo compulsory training in sign language. This is an extremely well thought out move as there will now be dedicated staff to welcome disabled tourists and make their experience worthwhile.

4. Kerala is the first state in the country to implement the United Nations World Tourism Organisation¡¯s (UNWTO) call for ¡®Tourism for All.¡¯

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Kerala's state government proudly reported that a solid 100 tourism centers have been equipped with amenities to support the differently-abled. Common facilities to support the disabled range from wheelchairs, ramps, and toilets.

5. The Thrissur District received the coveted status as a listed supplier of PANTOU (Promoting Accessible Tourism Around the World) network based in Europe in 2018.

Image credit: Reuters.

The Thrissur district in Kerala features tactile paths for the visually challenged at Azhikkode and Snehatheeram, while a wheelchair-accessible sunset viewpoint is the highlight of Vilangankunnu. There is ramp access for the boating area in Poomala. As part of the project, the Thumboormoozhi hanging bridge and viewpoints will soon be made accessible to the differently-abled. All of these developments made Thrissur district a part of the coveted PANTOU network.

6. Travel centres solely dedicated to the elderly and disabled will be set up.

Image credits: Reuters.

Travel assistance centers will have crutches, walking sticks, and electric wheelchairs to take care of the needs of the disabled. For the elderly, there will be support staff that will take them on guided tours all the while taking care of their safety.

7. How the state is promoting responsible tourism.

Image credit: Pexels.

Kerala was the first Indian state to begin Responsible Tourism that is aimed at promoting people-friendly, local community-friendly and environment-friendly initiatives. These initiatives aim at boosting rural development, local employment opportunities and the empowerment of women. Another important feature of Kerala's responsible tourism has been to redesign tourist spots in a way that accessibility for the disabled and the elderly is heightened.