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With almost four million Australians living with a disability, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia is highlighting how forward-thinking destinations and holiday parks need to take into account the diversity of the population in terms of age, mobility, sensory and intellectual impairments or health conditions.

Commenting on how accessible tourism affects so many Australians, Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chief Executive Stuart Lamont explains “caravan holiday parks are a fantastic choice for diverse family groups and as such they understand that accessible tourism is about creating a quality holiday experience where all group members can enjoy shared social activities and the facilities available”.

Lamont cites a holiday park on North Queensland’s Cassowary Coast that has won the Ray Fitton Award for Innovation in recognition of its excellent development work in the field of disabled access.

Kay and Marcus Kitchen of Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park completed a major project to build an inclusive holiday park for guests of all abilities.

After installing a wheelchair friendly beach house in 2012, they soon realised there was a need in the market for more accessible tourist facilities and since then they’ve added accessible beach shacks and a purpose built bathroom. However, they realised that there’s more to accessible tourism than just accommodation, there’s being able to enjoy the same activities as those without a disability.

With this in mind, Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park purchased a beach buggy wheelchair complete with rod holders to open up the beach to everyone. It’s been popular with both guests and other visitors to the town. They also installed a ramp to allow access into their large swimming pool and have a waterproof wheelchair on site for guests to use.

Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park say “it’s not only about providing facilities for disabled guests but about creating an inclusive environment where people of all abilities feel at ease, comfortable and welcome.”

Many caravan holiday parks have made changes to increase accessible tourism and have seen this also benefit other groups including parents with prams, people with temporary injuries and visitors with heavy bags.

With the population ageing rapidly, the number of people experiencing obstacles will only rise. Most people will develop some form of disability at some stage, and sooner or later will have specific access requirements when it comes to enjoying a holiday.

Coinciding with World Tourism Day in September this year, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia promoted the message that every person has the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer.

Lamont concluded “’tourism for all’ means tourist environments cater to the needs of everyone.”

For more information go to www.caravanindustry.com.au

Images: Accessible facilities at the Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park. the aquatic play area (top and middle) and the ramp accessible swimming pool (below).

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