Innovative Practice 2018 on Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible tours in Amazonia, the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu
Name of Innovative Practice: | Wheelchair-accessible tours in Amazonia, the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu |
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Organisation: | South America For All |
Country of Implementation | Ecuador |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
SAFA has adapted basic equipment (for example, an off-road wheelchair, a manual lift for swimming pools, etc.) such that travellers with wheelchairs can participate even in jungle walks. The company considers every detail of their clients’ physical limitations, and organizes their stay in the light of these. Furthermore, it helps to coordinate accessibility adaptations in some hotels and municipalities.

OUTLOOK, TRANSFERABILITY AND FUNDING
In 2013, a consultation was held with the Ministry of Tourism to develop 5 accessible tourist sites in Ecuador. An assessment was made of the accessibility of tourist services on each of the sites and training was provided jointly with the Ministry on accessibility topics. This has increased awareness of the subject.
In 2016 disabled tourism to Latin America had an annual growth rate between 5 and 10 per cent. In addition, it has been possible to increase the number of tourist destinations that are accessed to people with disabilities in Latin America mainly by adopting infrastructure.
The project is self-sustaining, and sales are generated from the tours themselves, membership fees, and subscriptions.