IMPORTANCE AND OPPORTUNITY OF ACCESSIBLE TOURISM IN

NEPAL

Submitted By:
Sumi Malla
Ace Institute of Management
MBA V, Section A

Submitted To:
Pankaj Pradhananga
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Ace Institute of Management

14th September 2023

Introduction
Nepal is a popular tourist destination due to its renowned natural beauty and significant cultural
legacy. The research highlights Nepal's distinctive features and its historical ties to global tourism,
especially after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa's 1953 summit of Mount Everest.
The article illustrates how Nepal attracts various types of tourists, including hikers, adventurers,
mountaineers, pilgrims, wildlife enthusiasts, and more. However in order to fully achieve its
tourism potential, it must adapt to changing visitor demographics and their needs, particularly
those of individuals with disabilities. Accessible tourism provides Nepal a chance to expand its
tourism services and draw in a broader range of tourists by catering to people with a variety of
access needs, including mobility, hearing, vision, and cognitive impairments.

Importance of Accessible Tourism

1. Inclusivity and Human Rights

The foundation of accessible tourism is inclusivity, which guarantees that everyone has the right
to travel and enjoy the world, regardless of their abilities. It aligns with Article 13 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which upholds everyone's right to freedom of movement and travel.

2. Economic Benefits

• Expanding the Tourism Market: Accessible Tourism opens up a new and lucrative market.
Globally, over 1 billion people have some form of disability, and by 2020, it is estimated
that 25% of total tourism spending will come from travelers with disabilities. Nepal can
tap into this market by offering accessible experiences.
• Extended Stays: Tourists with disabilities often stay longer than the average traveler. They
also tend to travel with companions, leading to increased revenue for accommodations,
restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.

3. Social Awareness and Inclusivity

Promoting accessible tourism encourages a more inclusive society, fostering respect for the rights
and needs of individuals with disabilities. It sends a message that Nepal is committed to providing
equal opportunities and experiences for all visitors.
Current Status of Accessible Tourism in Nepal

While the concept of accessible tourism is gaining recognition in Nepal, the country is still in the
early stages of development. Key points regarding the current status include:

• Limited accessible infrastructure, including ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-friendly

facilities, at tourist sites, hotels, and transportation hubs.
• Insufficient training and awareness among hospitality staff, tour operators, and
transportation providers.
• A lack of accessible accommodations, information materials, and services.
• Absence of legal frameworks mandating accessibility standards in tourism establishments.

Opportunities and Recommendations

To harness the opportunities presented by accessible tourism, Nepal should consider the following
recommendations:

• Infrastructure Development: Investing in accessible infrastructure at popular tourist

sites, hotels, and transportation hubs to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
• Training and Awareness: Conducting training programs for tourism industry
professionals to enhance their understanding and ability to cater to travelers with
disabilities.
• Accessible Accommodations: Encouraging and supporting the development of accessible
accommodations with features like wheelchair-friendly rooms, visual alarms, and braille
signs.
• Information Accessibility: Ensuring that all tourism-related information is available in
accessible formats for individuals with visual or cognitive impairments.
• Legal Framework: Developing and enforcing regulations that mandate accessibility
standards in the tourism sector, with penalties for non-compliance.
• Collaboration: Partnering with disability organizations, advocacy groups, and
international organizations with expertise in accessible tourism to gather insights and
feedback.
 • Promotion and Marketing: Showcasing Nepal as an accessible travel destination through
promotional materials and online platforms.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing systems for travelers to provide feedback on their
accessibility experiences to drive continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Accessible Tourism is not only a matter of human rights but also a significant economic
opportunity for Nepal. Nepal can increase the size of its tourism industry, generate employment,
and advance inclusion by embracing and funding accessible tourism. It is essential for Nepal to
take aggressive measures in this regard, bringing its tourist sector in line with global trends and
making sure that all visitors will experience a more open and inviting atmosphere.