Holiday Access Blog

OTTAWA - January 10, 2008 - The Canadian Transportation Agency has ordered Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and WestJet to adopt a one-person-one-fare policy for persons with severe disabilities who travel within Canada by air. The airlines have one year to implement the policy.

The tribunal's Decision means that for domestic services, Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and WestJet may not charge more than one fare for persons with disabilities who

are accompanied by an attendant for their personal care or safety in flight, as required by the carriers' domestic tariffs, or

require additional seating for themselves, including those determined to be functionally disabled by obesity for purposes of air travel.

The Decision does NOT apply to:

persons with disabilities or others who prefer to travel with a companion for personal reasons;

persons with disabilities who require a personal care attendant at destination, but not in-flight; and

persons who are obese but not disabled as a result of their obesity.

The Decision is based on longstanding principles of equal access to transportation services for persons with disabilities, regardless of the nature of the disability, and the Agency's legislative mandate to remove "undue obstacles" to their mobility. The Decision respects related decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada and Federal Court of Appeal.

The airlines are expected to develop a screening process to assess eligibility under the one-person-one-fare policy. For persons who travel with an attendant as required by the carriers' domestic tariffs, the Decision notes that carriers already perform assessments and have screening mechanisms to determine fitness and conditions for travel. Their screening mechanisms could be adapted to include functional assessments, and related screening expertise is available to them. For persons disabled by obesity, the Agency cites the practical experience of Southwest Airlines, which screens for entitlement to an additional seat by determining whether a person can lower the seat's armrests.

The airlines failed to demonstrate to the Agency that implementation of a one-person-one-fare policy will impose undue hardship on them. The Agency estimates that the cost of implementing the one-person-one-fare policy represents 0.09 per cent of Air Canada's annual passenger revenues of $8.2 billion and 0.16 per cent of WestJet's equivalent revenues of $1.4 billion.

The three applicants in the case were the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, Joanne Neubauer of Victoria, and the Estate of the late Eric Norman, who was a resident of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.

In a separate statement released today, the Agency offered to facilitate a collaborative process for implementation of the one-person-one-fare Decision. "It would be desirable to have a common screening approach to determine eligibility to benefit under the one-person-one-fare policy," said Geoffrey Hare, Chairman and CEO of the Agency. "A co-operative approach would be potentially beneficial to Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, WestJet and the Gander International Airport Authority as well as other Canadian air carriers and airport authorities that may consider voluntary implementation of the one-person-one-fare policy."

The Canadian Transportation Agency is an independent tribunal which operates like a court to render decisions on a case-by-case basis. The Agency's jurisdiction with respect to persons with disabilities, stated in Part V of the Canada Transportation Act, is to ensure that persons with disabilities have proper access to effective transportation service. The Agency makes decisions and orders to eliminate undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities in the federal transportation network.

Canadians with disabilities are preparing to find out whether a federal panel will order airlines to cease charging for an extra seat to accommodate their companions.

The Canadian Transportation Agency will soon announce its decision on the issue based on an application made by the Winnipeg-based Council for Canadians with Disabilities and two private individuals.

The complaint was lodged against Air Canada Jazz, WestJet and Air Canada.

Whilst airlines still require payment, Buses, trains and boats have already stopped charging an additional fare when a disabled person needs an extra seat. That includes people who need to travel with an companion/care giver and obese people who need the extra space.

The Canadian Transportation Agency decisions carry the same weight as an order issued by a federal superior court.

Air Canada's representatives suggested any moves could cost thathem $57 million a year.

Watch this space. The implications for airlines and their disabled passengers could be significant.

Gulf Air has launched special fares for physically disabled people to travel in economy class.

The move comes as a demonstration of the national carrier's social commitment to the people of Bahrain, the airline said in a statement.

"Physically-challenged people cannot be left alone to fight the adversities of life," said Gulf Air executive vice president of marketing and sales Lee Shave.

"This gesture reiterates the corporate responsibility of Gulf Air to support the Bahraini society, where it has been operating for over five and a half decades now."

Physically disabled people can avail Gulf Air special offer by producing a letter from the Social Development Ministry as a proof, said Gulf Air general manager Bahrain Abdulmalik Al Saei.

Tickets can be bought from any of the airline's ticketing offices in Bahrain.

"It is but natural for the national carrier to support the Bahraini society in every possible way it could," said Al Saei.

"These special fares for the physically challenged is a reflection of this commitment."


Related link: www.gulfair.com

The Third International Tourism Development Forum for People with Special Needs in the Middle East will once again highlight the need for developing infrastructure to support tourism for special needs people in the region.

Addressing a press conference to announce the annual event today organisers said that the Forum, to be inaugurated at the hands of His Highness Shaikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines and Group, will feature international experts in the field of tourism, hospitality and travel for special needs people.

The Forum lays emphasis on enhancing the position of the Middle East in general and of UAE in particular as a major destination for special needs tourists, organisers Dr. Abed Alrahim CEO Media Hub Int., said:

'The Forum seeks to achieve these objectives by developing the infrastructure, enhancing the quality of services required by individuals with special needs and by developing the logistics and regulations that serve the immediate and future needs of disabled individuals.'

The Forum calls upon the travel and tourism sector in the region to acknowledge the economic and humanitarian significance of tourism for people with special needs; and urges governments as well as key market players in the private sector to join hands as strategic partners in planning the future of this segment of tourism in the Middle East.

Describing the forum as a promising chance and qualitative addition for developing tourism in the region, the tourism and travelling sectors can add billions of dollars annually to their revenues by just providing basic facilities for people with special needs.

There are over 30 million special needs people in the Arab World alone. Considering that special needs tourists need travelling companions more often than not, and that they need to spend more than an average tourist, it is estimated that this segment is worth US$ 3 billion annually

The opportunities for regional tourism are not limited to disabled people just in the region, there are almost 700 million special needs people worldwide. There are approximately 55 million special needs people in the US and well over 40 million in Europe. According to 2002 statistics, disabled citizens in the US spent $13.6 billion in around 31.7 million trips, generating over 100,000 jobs in hospitality, and tourism and travel industry. With the flow of tourists to the UAE from the West on the rise, the Emirate's tourism industry and allied service sectors stand to benefit immensely by catering to the special needs tourists.

The issue has acquired greater significance for the region in general and the UAE in particular with huge investments being directed into the tourism sector. Dubai is preparing to accommodate more than 15 million tourists by the year 2010, a goal for the accomplishment of which the emirate has already launched numerous gigantic projects with budgets exceeding Dh800 billion in all.

The efforts are already being made in the UAE to attract special needs tourists. Consistent with the country's great interest in the tourism sector, revenues from which are expected to increase to US $ 46 billion by 2015, the UAE, according to the World Tourism and Travel report, is also proactive in highlighting the humane face of the tourism industry through translating the principle of "tourism for all". That as a result of this, the UAE is focusing its attention at becoming the region's most preferred tourist destination for people with special needs. It will achieve this feat by creating the necessary facilities for this special segment of the society.

'Efforts are on across the seven Emirates of the country to provide better services to tourists with special needs and attract more tourists from this segment. A big chunk of these efforts are connected with hospitality industry with investments in hotel properties exceeding Dh60 billion."

The new investments are at the heart of the country's drive to boost tourism, mainly by expanding the existing hotel capacity by another 90 thousand rooms by the end of the year 2010. Almost 50 thousand of these will be in Dubai, 18 thousand in Abu Dhabi, and 10 thousand each in Sharjah and Fujairah. A large number of hotels projects are also under study in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.

Dubai is developing infrastructure for tourists with special needs to strengthen the city's image as a friendly destination for this segment of tourists. As part of this plan the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai has made it mandatory for five-star hotels, more than 42 of the total 306 hotels operating in the Emirate, to customise about 2 per cent of their rooms for people with special needs.

Based on the projects that have been disclosed until today, airports in the region will be able to accommodate an additional 300 million passengers by the year 2020, and more than 200 new hotels will be built to add 100,000 rooms to what is available now. The number of visitors to the region is expected to increase to nearly 150 million, thus increasing the number of flights and aircraft fleets by 150% until the year 2025.

The Vivalto, a high capacity double-decker train, is now operating in Tuscany on the Florence-Prato-Viareggio line. The new modern and comfortable train is being introduced to meet the strong growth in passenger demand from last year. The Vivalto can be booked at ItaliaRail.co.uk, the official UK source for Italian rail tickets.

The Vivalto train is the first of six new trains to be added by the end of summer 2007. The six Vivalto trains consist of one remote controlled car and five carriages. Each carries over 1000 passengers with 720 seats and reaches a top speed is 160 kph. The carriages all have low step-on platforms for easier boarding. There are two places designed specially for disabled passengers with a wheelchair securing hitch. The remote-controlled carriage hosts a multi-purpose space for transporting items such as bicycles and skis. It also has a toilet/washroom equipped for disabled passengers.

Anyone who has stayed in one of Spain's stunning Paradores will know what a wonderful experience it can be. Historically, however, and largely determined by the very nature and architecture of these buildings, accessibility was never really on the menu. Great therefore to learn that the organisaton have a plan -Paradores Universal Accessibility Plan 2006- 2008 to address the needs of disabled visitors.

To find out more about Paradores, visit www.paradores.es

The town council of Arona on Tenerife has long flown the flag for accessible tourism, which has much to do with this part of the island being a haven for those seeking year-round sunshine, miles of accessible paseo and amenities and, importantly, support services such as adapted transport, mobility equipment and accessible excursions. The cuncil have launched their 2007 access guide and you can find out more at their website. Just paste this link into your web browser...

http://www.arona.org/portal/p_25_lmenu_v5.jsp?codMenu=79&language=en&codadirecto=25¶metro=

If you know of other tourism offices or destinations doing their best to break down the barriers, we'd love to receive news.

Some years ago we recognised the need for operators to offer the opportunity for people of all abilities to experience the pleasures of being married in somewhere 'exotic'. Happily, agencies are waking up to this opprtunity and are providing specialsit services. Take a look at what's on offer from our friends at Accessible Italy....

Has it ever been a dream for you getting married in Italy?
Would you like to let your dreams come true?
Accessible Italy Dept has much experience and professionality in the organization of your wedding in Italy!

Regency is a leader company for weddings in Italy and we have been operating since 1990. We have already organized more than 6500 weddings, and our staff has acquired years of experience and knowledge. Our strength regards the unique possibility for all couples to have a ceremony recognized both legally and religiously.
We are now also improving the knowledge of accessible locations where people with disabilities can get married and let their dreams come true celebrating their most important day of life in Italy!

Florence
- The Town Hall of Florence: the famous "Sala Rossa" in Palazzo Vecchio
- Santa Trinita Church in the heart of the city

Rome
- The Town Hall of Rome: the Bath of Caracalla
- The Church San Giovanni dei Fiorentini

Venice
- Venice Town Hall: the famous Palazzo Cavalli on the Gran Canal
- The Church of San Martino

For more information, visit www.accessibleitaly.com

Tourism is New Zealand’s primary export earner, and the West Coast’s largest employer. There is a growing trend worldwide to cater to niche-tourism markets. People with disabilities represent a large and growing niche tourism market, one that New Zealand and the West Coast has not yet begun to fully exploit. This market has increasing discretionary funds and financial power, is articulate and web savvy, and very interested in travel. There is a significant opportunity for the West Coast to place itself as a region of excellence in tourism for people with disabilities. However, awareness of this market and the ability to cater for it is currently negligible. This report provides an overview of the access market, a preliminary examination of the provision of West Coast tourism services for people with disabilities, and suggests ways in which this large and growing market can be researched and developed.

S. Rhodda, Tai Poutini Polytechnic Research Report.

For full report... http://www.tpp.ac.nz/taipoutini/pdfs/Disability%20Study%20writupFinaldraft.pdf

This from universal access expert - Scott Rains:

You are invited to take part in a research study conducted by the
University of Technology Sydney on the tourism accommodation needs of
people with mobility disabilities. The research aims to identify the
room requirements and preferred information format for presenting
accessible accommodation so that a person is able to make an informed
decision for their needs.

The questionnaire is designed for people with mobility disabilities to
answer. However, we welcome carers/attendants, family or friends
completing the survey based on the needs of those who require accessible
accommodation that they travel with. For example, if you are a parent of
a child with a disability you should answer the questionnaire based on
the access needs of your child.

Your participation in this study is highly valued whether you travel
frequently or not.

The questionnaire will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Please click on the link below to be directed to the questionnaire

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=63033650891

The research focuses on accessible rooms (sometimes referred to as
'disabled rooms') that accommodate people with mobility disabilities as
designated under the Building Codes of Australia and the referenced
Australian Standards for Access and Mobility (AS1428). This research
does not exclude people with hearing, vision or other disabilities from
completing the survey. However, other research is currently being
conducted on the tourist experiences of people who are blind or vision
impaired. In addition, the Hotel Motel Accommodation Association and the
Deafness Forum announced in 2005 an industry agreement regarding the
provision of accessible facilities for people who are Deaf or hearing
impaired. We would welcome people with any disability completing the
survey if they regularly use designated accessible rooms.

Alternative formats
If you require an alternative format or would like to complete this
questionnaire by phone, please contact:

Dr. Simon Darcy
Faculty of Business
University of Technology, Sydney
Ph: 02 9514-5100 Email: simon.darcy@uts.edu.au

Ethics
All responses are anonymous and confidential. The project has been
approved by the UTS Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2006-24A)
and any ethical issues arising from the research can be discussed with
the UTS Research Ethics Manager Ms Susanna Gorman on Ph: 02 9514-1279

Contact:

Dr Simon Darcy | Associate Professor | School of Leisure, Sport and
Tourism | Faculty of Business |
University of Technology Sydney | Kuring-gai Campus | PO Box 222,
Lindfield NSW 2070 |
Ph: 61 2 9514-5100 | Fax: 61 2 9514-5195 | Email:
Simon.Darcy@uts.edu.au |

The Rolling Rains Report
http://www.RollingRains.com
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